Summer House Fire: 10 Terrific Tips For Disaster Prevention

6/10/2024 (Permalink)

Our professionals are ready to help you combat fire damage any day of the week!

This detailed summer house fire resource offers expert insights and practical steps to safeguard your property from fire-related damage during the hottest months.

Summer brings longer days and warmer temperatures and increases the risk of house fires. The combination of heat, outdoor activities, and specific summer-specific hazards can make properties more vulnerable to fires. 

This blog post will delve into the common causes of summer house fires, provide practical prevention tips, and demonstrate how SERVPRO® can be invaluable in restoring properties affected by this seasonal threat.

What are the Common Causes of Summer House Fires?

Summer house fires can result from various factors unique to the season. Key causes include:

• Grilling accidents: Improper use or placement of grills can lead to accidental fires.
• Fireworks: Mishandling or malfunctioning fireworks can ignite nearby structures.
• Outdoor bonfires: Unsupervised or improperly extinguished bonfires can spread rapidly.
• Electrical overloads: Increased use of electrical devices and air conditioning can strain electrical systems and cause fires.
• Dry vegetation: Dry conditions can make vegetation highly flammable, increasing the risk of fire spreading to homes.

How Can Grilling Accidents Lead to Property Damage?

Grilling is a popular summer activity but can also be hazardous if not done safely. Placing grills too close to structures, using them in enclosed spaces, or not properly maintaining them can lead to fires. Grease buildup can cause flare-ups, and stray embers can ignite nearby objects. Ensuring proper grill placement, regular cleaning, and never leaving grills unattended is crucial to preventing such accidents.

Tips to Prevent Summer House Fires

Preventing house fires involves taking proactive measures. Here's a comprehensive list of practical steps to safeguard your property:

1. Grill safely: Place grills at least 10 feet away from structures and never leave them unattended. Regularly clean the grill to prevent grease buildup.
2. Handle fireworks responsibly: Always follow local regulations and safety guidelines when using fireworks. Keep a safe distance from structures and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
3. Supervise bonfires: Keep bonfires at a safe distance from buildings and vegetation. Never leave them unattended, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving.
4. Maintain electrical systems: Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems, particularly air conditioning units, to prevent overloads. Avoid using multiple high-wattage devices on a single outlet.
5. Create defensible space: Clear dry vegetation and flammable materials around your property. Maintain a defensible space to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.
6. Install and test smoke alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and test them monthly. Replace batteries annually.
7. Have a fire extinguisher handy: Keep fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen, garage, and outdoor grilling area. Ensure everyone in the household knows how to use them.
8. Practice safe storage: Store flammable materials such as gasoline, propane, and other fuels in proper containers away from living areas.
9. Create an emergency plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family. Ensure everyone knows at least two ways out of each room.
10. Stay informed: Monitor weather conditions and local fire advisories, especially during dry and windy periods.

Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of summer house fires and ensure your property remains safe during the hottest months.

A Recent House Fire Incident

Recently, in Dayton, Ohio, we at SERVPRO faced a challenging yet common summer scenario. A residential property experienced a significant fire due to a grilling accident. This incident underscores the importance of summer fire safety and the potential for severe damage.

When we received the emergency call, our fire restoration team sprang into action. Understanding the urgency and potential for extensive damage, we prioritized a rapid response. Our team, equipped with comprehensive training and specialized equipment, was on-site in record time. Upon arrival, we thoroughly assessed the damage—the fire had caused significant structural damage and extensive smoke and soot contamination.

We clearly understood the situation and formulated a strategic action plan. The plan included:

• Immediate fire damage assessment: We quickly assessed the extent of the fire damage to determine the best course of action. This step was crucial in identifying areas needing immediate attention and preventing further damage.
• Smoke and soot removal: We meticulously removed smoke and soot from all surfaces using advanced cleaning techniques and equipment. This phase is essential in mitigating health risks and restoring the property to its pre-fire condition.
• Odor removal: We employed specialized equipment to remove lingering odors caused by the fire. This step ensures that the property is habitable and free from any reminders of the incident.
• Restoration and reconstruction: Our team provided comprehensive restoration and reconstruction services to rebuild and repair the damaged areas. This included structural repairs, painting, and restoring the property to its original state.

This incident in Dayton exemplifies the resilience and efficiency of our SERVPRO team. Faced with a familiar yet potentially devastating summer fire scenario, our swift action and professional expertise salvaged the property and safeguarded it against future vulnerabilities. This case is a testament to our commitment to providing rapid, reliable, and comprehensive fire damage restoration services, especially during the challenging summer months.

What Should You Do When You Experience a Summer House Fire?

Immediate action is crucial in the event of a summer house fire. The first step is to ensure everyone's safety by evacuating the property and calling emergency services. Once the fire is extinguished, contacting a professional fire restoration team is essential for mitigating the damage. While waiting for professional help, avoid entering the property until it is declared safe. Document the damage with photos and notify your insurance company.

Wrapping Up

SERVPRO's reputation in fire damage restoration is built on swift response, advanced technology, and skilled professionals. We understand the complexities of fire damage restoration, particularly in challenging summer conditions. Our team is trained to handle complex scenarios, ensuring efficient and effective restoration. With SERVPRO, property owners receive comprehensive restoration services tailored to their specific needs.

Choosing SERVPRO for summer fire damage restoration offers more than just repair services; it provides partnership in property protection. Our quick response, cutting-edge techniques, and customer-centric approach make us a trusted ally in navigating the challenges of summer house fires. As we have seen, a summer house fire can strike unexpectedly. Still, with preparation and the support of SERVPRO professionals, your property can emerge unscathed from the most challenging summer trials.

Dehumidification: The #1 Guide to Effective Moisture Control

5/27/2024 (Permalink)

Understanding proper dehumidifier placement is essential for faster drying times!

Expert insights and practical steps to safeguard your property from moisture-related damage in any season.

Moisture can wreak havoc on residential and commercial properties, leading to mold growth, structural damage, and compromised indoor air quality. Dehumidification is critical to property maintenance, ensuring that moisture levels remain controlled to prevent these adverse effects. 

This blog post will delve into the importance of dehumidification, offer practical tips for maintaining optimal humidity levels, and highlight how SERVPRO® expertise can be invaluable in managing moisture and restoring properties affected by high humidity.

What is dehumidification, and why is it important?

Dehumidification is the process of removing excess moisture from the air to maintain an optimal indoor humidity level. Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for a few reasons:

• Mold Prevention: High moisture levels create an ideal environment for mold growth, which can damage property.
• Structural Integrity: Excess moisture can weaken building materials, leading to structural issues over time.
• Indoor Air Quality: Proper humidity levels contribute to better indoor air quality, reducing allergens and improving comfort.
• Preservation of Belongings: Many materials, such as wood and fabric, can deteriorate in high humidity, damaging furniture, electronics, and other possessions.

Common causes of high humidity

High humidity can result from various factors, including:

• Climate and Weather Conditions: Areas with high rainfall or temperatures can naturally have higher humidity levels.
• Poor Ventilation: Inadequate airflow in a building can trap moisture, leading to elevated humidity levels.
• Leaks and Water Intrusion: Leaky roofs, plumbing issues, and water intrusion from outside can increase indoor moisture levels.
• Everyday Activities: Cooking, showering, and breathing contribute to indoor humidity, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Tips to prevent and control high humidity

Preventing and controlling high humidity requires a combination of proactive measures and regular maintenance. Here are some practical steps to safeguard your property:

Use Dehumidifiers

Invest in dehumidifiers to regulate humidity levels, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup, like basements and bathrooms. Regularly empty and clean the units to maintain their efficiency.

Improve Ventilation

Ensure proper ventilation in all areas of your property. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to expel moisture-laden air. Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system for comprehensive air circulation.

Repair Leaks Promptly

Address any leaks in your property immediately. Regularly inspect your roof, plumbing, and foundation for signs of water intrusion and take swift action to repair any damage.

Insulate Pipes and Ducts

Insulate pipes and ducts to prevent condensation, which can contribute to higher humidity levels. Proper insulation also helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

Use Air Conditioners

Air conditioners help reduce indoor humidity by cooling the air and removing moisture. Ensure your air conditioning system is properly maintained and serviced regularly for optimal performance.

Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels

Use hygrometers to monitor indoor humidity levels. Aim to keep humidity between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth and maintain a comfortable environment.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Keep gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair to prevent water from accumulating near your property’s foundation, which can increase indoor humidity levels.

A recent dehumidification success story in Xenia, Ohio

Last month, SERVPRO was called to a historic home in Xenia, Ohio, with a severe moisture issue. The property, a cherished local landmark, had been experiencing persistent humidity problems, leading to visible mold growth and musty odors. This situation is a stark reminder of how uncontrolled moisture can threaten a property’s integrity and habitability.

Upon receiving the call, our SERVPRO team quickly mobilized to assess the situation. The home’s historic nature required a thorough approach. We conducted a comprehensive inspection, identifying several contributing factors, including inadequate ventilation and minor leaks in the basement.

Our action plan included:

1. Immediate Mold Remediation: We safely removed the existing mold using specialized techniques to preserve the materials.
2. Dehumidification Setup: We installed industrial-grade dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels throughout the home rapidly. These units were strategically placed to maximize efficiency.
3. Ventilation Improvements: We recommended and implemented enhancements to the home’s ventilation system, including installing exhaust fans in key areas and ensuring adequate airflow in the basement.
4. Leak Repairs: Our team repaired the minor leaks in the basement, which had caused further water intrusion and subsequent humidity issues.
5. Ongoing Monitoring: We set up a monitoring system to track humidity levels and ensure they remained within the optimal range. Our team also guided the homeowners on maintaining proper humidity levels moving forward.

This incident in Xenia, Ohio, exemplifies the importance of professional intervention in dehumidification and moisture control. Our swift response and expert solutions addressed the immediate issue and safeguarded the home against future humidity-related problems.

What should you do when you experience high humidity and moisture problems?

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with high humidity and moisture issues. Start by identifying and eliminating the source of excess moisture. Contact a professional restoration team, like SERVPRO, for a thorough assessment and tailored dehumidification solutions. While waiting for professional help, use dehumidifiers and improve ventilation to reduce moisture levels.

Wrapping up

SERVPRO’s reputation in dehumidification and moisture control is built on swift response, advanced technology, and skilled professionals. We understand the nuances of humidity and its critical role in property maintenance and restoration. Our team is trained to handle complex scenarios, ensuring efficient and effective moisture control solutions.

Choosing SERVPRO for dehumidification offers more than just immediate relief—it provides long-term protection for your property. Our quick response, cutting-edge techniques, and customer-centric approach make us a trusted ally in navigating the challenges of high humidity. With preparation and the support of SERVPRO professionals, your property can remain safe and comfortable, free from the adverse effects of excess moisture.

By following these tips and relying on professional expertise, you can effectively manage humidity levels in your property, ensuring a healthy and safe environment. Whether dealing with everyday humidity challenges or significant moisture problems, SERVPRO is here to help with comprehensive dehumidification and restoration services.

5 Essential Steps to Combat Retail Water Damage in Xenia, OH

5/13/2024 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are ready to help you combat commercial water damage!

Explore how Xenia, Ohio, businesses can effectively prevent and manage retail water damage.

Water damage in retail environments not only disrupts business operations but also poses a significant threat to merchandise, fixtures, and the structural integrity of the building. Understanding and preparing for potential water damage is crucial for retail store owners in Xenia, Ohio, especially given the area's varied climate, which can contribute to unexpected flooding and leaks. 

This blog post will outline essential prevention tips, highlight a local water damage scenario, and discuss how SERVPRO® can be instrumental in handling retail water damage incidents.

Understanding Retail Water Damage

Retail water damage can occur due to several commercial water damage sources, such as plumbing failures, roof leaks, or natural disasters. The impacts are often severe, leading to costly repairs, loss of goods, and even temporary business closures. Immediate action and effective planning are crucial to mitigating retail water damage risks.

A Recent Incident in Xenia, Ohio

Recently, a popular clothing store in Xenia, Ohio, faced a significant water damage crisis just before the busy holiday season. A burst water heater in an adjacent unit led to extensive water spreading across the retail space, soaking merchandise and damaging fixtures.

The store manager quickly called SERVPRO upon discovering the flood early in the morning. Our team responded promptly, understanding the urgency to resume operations and minimize financial losses. This scenario underscores the vulnerability of retail spaces to water damage and the need for rapid professional intervention.

Preventive Measures to Safeguard Your Retail Space

1. Regular Maintenance Checks: Schedule routine inspections of your roofing, plumbing, and HVAC systems to catch and repair potential problems before they lead to water damage.
2. Install Water Detection Systems: Equip your store with water sensors and automatic shut-off valves to detect leaks early and minimize damage.
3. Proper Storage Practices: If possible, keep merchandise off the floor and in waterproof containers, especially in flood-prone areas.
4. Educate Your Staff: Train employees on emergency procedures and the steps to take if they detect a leak or flooding, including how to shut off water and electricity safely.
5. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Ensure your business insurance covers water damage and understand the terms and exclusions to avoid unexpected costs.

5 Steps to Take Following Water Damage in Your Retail Store

1. Immediate Action: Shut off the main water supply and electricity to prevent further damage and ensure safety.
2. Documentation: Take photos and videos of the damage for insurance claims and assessment.
3. Water Extraction and Mitigation: Contact a professional restoration company to begin water extraction, drying, and dehumidification processes.
4. Salvage and Cleanup: Assess what can be saved and what needs to be discarded. Begin cleanup of the affected area with safe and appropriate cleaning supplies and methods.
5. Restoration and Rebuilding: Work with restoration professionals to repair structural damage, replace materials, and restore the retail space to its pre-damage condition.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Retail Water Damage Restoration?

Choosing SERVPRO means partnering with a leader in water damage restoration. Our team in Xenia, Ohio, is equipped with advanced technology and extensive training to handle any size disaster. From the initial damage assessment to the final touches of restoration, we provide a comprehensive service that aims to get your business back on track swiftly and efficiently. When you choose SERVPRO, you will receive:

• Rapid Response: We understand the critical need for speed in emergencies, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption.
• Advanced Techniques: Our cutting-edge drying and moisture detection equipment helps ensure thorough water removal and drying.
• Experienced Professionals: Our experts are skilled in all aspects of water damage restoration, from technical know-how to handling insurance paperwork.

Wrapping Up

Retail water damage in Xenia, Ohio, can be a daunting challenge, but with preparation and the proper support, your business can recover quickly and effectively. By implementing preventive measures and knowing the steps to take in the aftermath of water damage, you can protect your investment and maintain your business's continuity.

Remember, SERVPRO is ready to help every step of the way, ensuring your retail space returns to its pre-damage condition as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Contact us today for more information on protecting your business from water damage or to schedule a consultation. Let's keep your retail business safe and thriving, no matter what challenges come your way.

Proactive Mitigation: 10 Strategies to Protect Your Property

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

Proactive mitigation starts with the property owner.

Leveraging proactive mitigation to fortify residential and commercial properties against potential damages in Beavercreek, Ohio.

In the dynamic climate of Beavercreek, Ohio, where weather patterns can swiftly change, proactive mitigation becomes paramount for property owners. This comprehensive guide will outline essential strategies to prevent damage before it occurs, emphasizing the value of anticipation and preparedness in property management. Through a detailed exploration of proactive measures and a case study involving our SERVPRO® team, this post aims to equip property owners with the knowledge to safeguard their investments effectively.

Understanding Proactive Mitigation

Proactive mitigation refers to the preemptive actions taken to reduce or eliminate risks to properties before they manifest as emergencies. This approach protects the physical structure and significantly diminishes potential financial losses and operational disruptions.

Evaluating Risks in Beavercreek

Beavercreek properties face several risks, primarily due to:

• Seasonal Storms: Bringing heavy rain, wind, and hail.
• Winter Weather: Characterized by snow and ice, leading to ice dams and frozen pipes.
• Flooding: Particularly for areas close to water bodies or with poor drainage systems.
• Fire Hazards: From both natural causes and human activities.

Comprehensive Proactive Mitigation Strategies

Implementing the following strategies can profoundly impact the resilience of a property against common hazards:

1. Thorough Inspections: Conduct biannual inspections of your property’s roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems. Look for potential vulnerabilities that could lead to extensive damages if left unattended.
2. Weatherproofing: Enhance the weather resistance of your property by installing high-quality insulation, using storm windows, and applying water-repellent coating to exterior walls.
3. Landscaping Adjustments: Properly manage the landscape to ensure adequate water runoff. Use strategic planning to create windbreaks that can reduce the impact of heavy winds on your property.
4. Advanced Monitoring Systems: Employ state-of-the-art sensors that detect early signs of water leakage, gas leaks, or structural weakening. Integrating smart home technologies can facilitate real-time monitoring and faster reaction times to abnormal conditions.
5. Emergency Preparedness Kits: Maintain updated emergency kits with necessary supplies, such as water, non-perishable food, first-aid items, and manual tools. Ensure easy accessibility for all occupants.
6. Community Collaboration: Engage with local community planning and preparedness initiatives. Collaboration can improve regional resilience and shared resources during widespread emergencies.
7. Structural Enhancements: Retrofit older structures with modern materials and technologies designed to withstand various disaster scenarios, such as earthquake-resistant frameworks or fire-retardant building materials.
8. Regular Maintenance: Keep all critical systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), in optimal working condition. Schedule regular cleanings and upkeep to prevent system failures that could exacerbate disaster situations.
9. Training and Drills: Conduct regular training sessions on emergency procedures and evacuation plans with all building occupants. Practice drills to ensure everyone knows how to react when seconds count.
10. Insurance Review: Regularly review and update your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for all potential risks. Understand what is and isn’t covered under current policies and adjust coverage to match your property’s evolving risk profile.

Case Study: Proactive Mitigation in Beavercreek, Ohio

Recently, SERVPRO was called to assist a Beavercreek business complex that had experienced recurrent flooding issues during heavy rainfall. The complex had suffered significant financial losses due to water damage affecting critical infrastructure and operational delays.

Proactive Steps Implemented:

• Upgraded Drainage System: SERVPRO overhauled the existing drainage system to enhance its capacity and efficiency in channeling water away from the building.
• Water Barriers: Temporary water barriers were installed in critical areas predicted to be most affected during storms.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Set up a schedule for regular checks and maintenance of the building’s exterior and plumbing systems to identify and address issues promptly.

Outcome:

The modifications and upgrades implemented significantly mitigated the impact of subsequent storms. The business could continue operations uninterrupted, and previous damage areas remained dry and secure. This proactive approach saved the business from further financial strain and strengthened its reputation as a resilient and proactive institution.

Embrace Proactive Mitigation with SERVPRO

In Beavercreek and beyond, being proactive about property risks is more than a precaution; it’s a strategy that preserves the integrity and value of your property while ensuring the safety of its occupants. SERVPRO offers comprehensive risk assessments, implements advanced mitigation strategies, and provides rapid response restoration services. Our proactive measures equip property owners to handle potential disasters confidently, minimizing damage and associated costs. Trust SERVPRO to be your expert partner in protecting your property through proactive mitigation.

Building Climate Resilience in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

4/7/2024 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to combat storm damage!

Integrating climate resilience can safeguard your property against extreme weather events.

In the face of growing climate changes, ensuring your property is equipped to handle and recover from extreme weather conditions is not just wise—it's essential. This detailed guide delves into the concept of climate resilience, offering a wealth of strategies for property owners and showcasing the unparalleled expertise SERVPRO® brings to restoration and preparedness. It also highlights a real-world example from Xenia, Ohio.

The essence of climate resilience

Climate resilience is about preparing for, enduring, and bouncing back from climate-related disturbances. For property owners, this entails adopting measures to protect assets against the increasing occurrence of severe weather phenomena such as floods, wildfires, storms, and extreme temperatures.

Strategic steps toward enhanced climate resilience

1. Risk identification and management: Begin with a detailed assessment of your property's vulnerabilities. Understanding your property's risks from climate-related events is foundational to crafting an effective resilience strategy.
2. Robust structural reinforcements: Upgrading your property to withstand severe weather involves reinforcing structural elements. This could include installing impact-resistant windows and doors, using high-quality roofing materials capable of withstanding high winds, and applying waterproof sealants.
3. Adaptive water defense measures: Proactive water defense strategies can significantly benefit properties in flood-prone areas. Elevating critical utilities, installing sump pumps with battery backups, and ensuring proper landscape drainage can mitigate the risks of water intrusion and damage. 
4. Strategic landscaping: Nature itself offers powerful tools for climate resilience. Through thoughtful landscaping, such as planting native vegetation that can help absorb excess water and using trees as wind barriers, property owners can leverage natural defenses against climate impacts.
5. Emergency preparedness: Equipping your property with emergency supplies and a well-considered action plan ensures readiness for any eventuality. Emergency supplies should include water, non-perishable food, batteries, medical supplies, and a clear evacuation strategy.

Illustrating resilience in Xenia, Ohio

Consider a severe storm unexpectedly hitting Xenia, Ohio. This storm, characterized by high winds and torrential rains, illustrated the unpredictability and destructive potential of climate change-induced weather events. It caused widespread damage to homes and businesses, testing the community's climate resilience.

SERVPRO's rapid deployment to the area underscored the critical importance of swift, professional action in the aftermath of climate events. Our IICRC-certified restoration team, equipped with advanced restoration technology and extensive experience, immediately assessed the damage, extracted water, and began the restoration process. Our efforts facilitated the recovery of affected properties and emphasized the need for ongoing preparedness and resilience initiatives.

Proactive measures following extreme weather damage

After ensuring the safety of all individuals:

• Secure the property: Take initial steps to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows or turning off the main water supply to avoid flooding.
• Professional consultation: It is crucial to contact a professional restoration service like SERVPRO. Our expertise and equipment are vital for effective damage assessment, mitigation, and repair.

Why SERVPRO stands out

Opting for SERVPRO for your restoration and resilience-building needs means entrusting your property to experts adept at addressing the immediate aftermath of climate events and committed to enhancing your property's long-term resilience. With a focus on innovative solutions and customer service, SERVPRO ensures that your property is prepared to face future climate challenges head-on.

In summary

Building climate resilience is imperative for property owners in today's volatile environment. By implementing strategic measures, engaging with professionals, and fostering a culture of preparedness, it is possible to reduce the risks associated with extreme weather events significantly. SERVPRO remains a dedicated partner in this endeavor, offering the expertise and resources needed to protect and preserve your property amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

With comprehensive planning, strategic investment in property improvements, and the support of SERVPRO's restoration services, you can navigate the complexities of climate resilience, ensuring that your property stands secure and is ready to face whatever the future may hold.

Lightning Fire: 7 Critical Steps to Swift Recovery

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

You don't need to combat lightning fire damage alone!

Navigate the aftermath of a lightning fire with expert guidance

Property owners often prepare for disaster, but some events, like lightning strikes, can catch even the most prepared off guard. Lightning fires pose a significant threat, causing extensive damage to residential and commercial properties. 

This blog post delves into the aftermath of a lightning fire. It unveils seven crucial steps to guide property owners through swift restoration and recovery using a scenario in Dayton, Ohio, where our SERVPRO® team was called upon to mitigate the effects of a devastating lightning fire and restore the property to its former glory.

What causes a lightning fire?

A lightning fire occurs when lightning strikes a building or its vicinity, igniting combustible materials and leading to potentially catastrophic fires. The intense heat generated by a lightning strike can ignite flammable materials like wood, insulation, and electrical wiring, resulting in rapid and widespread fire damage. 

Beyond the immediate damage caused by flames, a lightning fire can also lead to smoke and soot infiltration, water damage from firefighting efforts, and structural compromise.

Recent scenario in Dayton, Ohio: A lightning fire at a commercial property

In Dayton, Ohio, a bustling commercial property was at the mercy of nature's fury when a lightning bolt struck its rooftop, igniting a blaze that threatened to engulf the entire structure and the goods contained in the warehouse. 

Once the experts extinguished the flames, the property manager swiftly contacted SERVPRO for assistance. Our team arrived at the property equipped with specialized equipment and expertise to address the aftermath of the lightning fire.

7 steps to recovering from a lightning fire

Rapid assessment and safety measures

Upon arrival, our SERVPRO team thoroughly assessed the fire damage, prioritizing safety at every step. We identified potential hazards and implemented safety measures to protect both occupants and restoration professionals from harm. Our top priority was to ensure a safe working environment while mitigating further damage to the property.

Secure the property

After assessing the extent of the fire damage, our next step was to secure the property to prevent unauthorized access and further damage. We boarded up windows, doors, and other openings to safeguard against intrusion and the elements, laying the foundation for comprehensive restoration efforts.

Water extraction and damage mitigation

In many cases, firefighting efforts result in water damage as well. Our SERVPRO team swiftly addressed any water damage from firefighting activities, utilizing advanced water extraction techniques and equipment to remove standing water and mitigate moisture-related issues. This proactive approach helped prevent secondary damage, such as mold growth and structural deterioration.

Smoke and soot removal

Smoke and soot infiltration are expected consequences of a lightning fire. Our team employed specialized techniques and equipment to thoroughly clean and deodorize affected surfaces, eliminating traces of smoke and soot and restoring the property to its pre-fire condition. Our meticulous approach ensured that no lingering odors or residues remained, providing occupants with a clean and safe environment.

Structural assessment and restoration

After mitigating immediate hazards and addressing water, smoke, and soot damage, our SERVPRO experts comprehensively assessed the property's structural integrity. We identified areas requiring structural repairs and restoration, collaborating with trusted contractors to ensure timely and quality repairs. 

From structural reinforcement to rebuilding damaged areas, our team managed the restoration process with precision and care, restoring the property to its preloss condition.

Content cleaning and restoration

In addition to restoring the structure, our SERVPRO team also focused on salvaging and restoring valuable belongings and contents affected by the lightning fire. We employed advanced techniques and technologies to clean, sanitize, and repair items ranging from furniture and electronics to documents and personal belongings, providing property owners peace of mind and preserving cherished possessions.

Ongoing support and communication

Our SERVPRO team maintained open and transparent communication with property owners throughout the restoration process, providing regular updates and promptly addressing any concerns or questions. We understand the emotional toll of a fire disaster and strive to provide compassionate support and guidance at every step, empowering property owners to navigate the restoration process confidently.

Choose SERVPRO for the best lightning fire restoration

Swift and decisive action is crucial to minimizing damage and expediting recovery after a lightning-induced fire. SERVPRO stands ready to assist property owners in Dayton, Ohio, and beyond with our expertise, resources, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

From rapid assessment and safety measures to comprehensive restoration and ongoing support, our team is dedicated to restoring peace of mind and helping property owners reclaim their lives after a lightning fire. When disaster strikes, trust SERVPRO to be your partner in restoration and recovery.

Fight Plumbing Backups: Our Best Advice In 5 Proactive Steps

3/11/2024 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO always respond to water damage disasters caused by plumbing backups!

Discover our ultimate guide for managing plumbing backups and protecting your property.

Plumbing backups are more than a mere inconvenience; they represent a significant threat to the safety and integrity of your property. In Beavercreek, Ohio, where the charm of suburbia meets the unpredictability of seasonal changes, residents often face the daunting challenge of maintaining plumbing systems to prevent disastrous backups.

This comprehensive guide explores the root causes and prevention strategies for plumbing backups and illustrates how SERVPRO's unparalleled expertise can swiftly restore normalcy in the wake of such events.

Understanding the causes of plumbing backups

A plumbing backup occurs when wastewater is obstructed and forced back into the home, leading to potential flooding, property damage, and the risk of contamination. Various culprits can trigger these backups, including clogged drains, tree root infiltration, damaged sewer lines, and overwhelmed municipal sewer systems. 

The complexity of these systems means that a backup can be an alarming signal of underlying issues demanding immediate and knowledgeable intervention.

The Beavercreek Predicament: A Plumbing Backup Saga

Imagine a serene evening in Beavercreek, Ohio, disrupted by the sudden emergence of water flooding your basement floor. This scenario became a reality for a local family when their main sewer line succumbed to a blockage caused by tree roots. This situation led to a significant plumbing backup during a family reunion. The swift intrusion of water threatened the structure of their home and posed immediate risks to their health and the continuity of their cherished gathering.

The family contacted SERVPRO® upon detecting the issue. Our team arrived promptly, understanding the urgency of mitigating the water damage and restoring the property to its pre-damage condition. This incident underscores the unpredictability of plumbing issues and the importance of having a reliable partner ready to tackle such emergencies.

Fortifying your fortress: Tips to prevent plumbing backups

Preventing plumbing backups requires vigilance and proactive measures. Here are strategies every homeowner should consider:

1. Regular inspections and maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system to identify and rectify potential problems before they escalate.
2. Wise waste disposal: Be mindful of what goes down your drains. Avoid flushing anything besides human waste and toilet paper; never pour grease down the kitchen sink.
3. Tree root management: Plant trees away from your sewer lines or opt for sewer-safe landscaping alternatives to prevent roots from damaging your pipes.
4. Backwater valve installation: Installing a backwater prevention valve can significantly reduce the risk of sewer backups during heavy rainfalls or municipal sewer overflows.
5. Upgrade your pipes: If you live in an older home, consider upgrading your pipes and sewer lines to modern materials less prone to corrosion and blockage.

When disaster strikes: SERVPRO to the rescue

Immediate action is crucial in the event of a plumbing backup. SERVPRO's emergency response teams are equipped to handle such crises with precision and speed. Our process includes:

• Rapid assessment and response: Our experts quickly assess the situation, identifying the backup water's source and the extent of the damage.
• Advanced water extraction techniques: We employ state-of-the-art water extraction methods to remove standing water efficiently, minimizing secondary damage to your property.
• Thorough cleaning and sanitization: Our team performs comprehensive cleaning and sanitization of affected areas to ensure your home is safe and free from contaminants.
• Drying and dehumidifying: Our industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers target moisture, crucial in preventing mold growth and further damage.
• Restoration and repair: We don't just clean up; we restore. From minor repairs to major renovations, we aim to return your property to its pre-backup condition.

Beyond the call: The SERVPRO advantage

Choosing SERVPRO for your plumbing backup and water damage services means more than just a quick fix; it's a partnership with a leader in the restoration industry. Our commitment to rapid response, advanced technology, and comprehensive solutions ensures that your property is in capable hands. We understand the stress and disruption caused by plumbing backups, so our team is dedicated to providing empathetic, efficient, and effective services tailored to your specific situation.

Preparation meets opportunity: safeguarding your home

While plumbing backups can be unpredictable, being prepared can significantly reduce their impact. Adopting preventive measures, maintaining your plumbing system, and knowing who to call when disaster strikes can protect your property and peace of mind. Remember, immediate action can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster in the event of a plumbing backup.

SERVPRO stands ready to support Beavercreek residents with our expertise in water damage restoration and plumbing backup solutions. Our team's swift action, advanced techniques, and customer-focused approach make us your trusted ally in navigating the challenges of property restoration. As we've seen in Beavercreek and beyond, plumbing backups can strike when least expected, but with SERVPRO by your side, you're never alone in facing these challenges!

Conclusion: The path forward

In conclusion, plumbing backups require a measured and knowledgeable response to prevent significant damage to your property. By understanding the causes, implementing preventive measures, and leveraging the expertise of SERVPRO, you can confidently navigate these turbulent waters. 

Remember, the key to combating plumbing backups lies in preparation, prompt action, and the support of trusted professionals. Let SERVPRO be your partner in protecting your home from the unforeseen, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for years to come.

Combat Warehouse Mold: 4 Easy Tips From Our Mold Experts

2/26/2024 (Permalink)

You never need to combat warehouse mold alone with SERVPRO in your corner!

You don't have to navigate the challenges of warehouse mold by yourself.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on combating warehouse mold, a persistent issue that plagues commercial properties worldwide. Mold infestations in warehouses pose significant risks to the structural integrity of the building and can result in substantial financial losses. 

In this post, we'll delve into the common causes of warehouse mold and outline how the expert team at SERVPRO® can effectively restore properties afflicted by this pervasive problem.

Understanding the causes of warehouse mold

Warehouse mold is often attributed to a combination of environmental factors that create the ideal conditions for mold growth. These factors include moisture infiltration, poor ventilation, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and elevated humidity levels. In warehouses, where large spaces and varying temperatures are commonplace, mold spores find ample opportunity to thrive and spread if not promptly addressed.

A recent Dayton, Ohio, commercial property mold remediation

Imagine a scenario in Dayton, Ohio, where a commercial property owner discovers extensive mold growth in their warehouse. Recognizing the situation's urgency, the property owner contacts SERVPRO for assistance. Our team springs into action, promptly responding to the call and dispatching a certified technician crew to assess the extent of the mold damage. Upon arrival, we conduct a comprehensive inspection of the property, identifying the root causes of the mold infestation and devising a strategic plan for remediation.

Utilizing advanced equipment and proven techniques, we meticulously remove mold growth, sanitize affected areas, and implement preventive measures to inhibit future mold recurrence. Throughout the remediation process, we prioritize the safety and well-being of occupants, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations. Our diligent efforts restored the property to a mold-free state, providing the owner peace of mind and a safe, healthy environment for employees and customers.

How SERVPRO assists with warehouse mold restoration

At SERVPRO, we specialize in comprehensive mold remediation services tailored to the unique needs of commercial properties, including warehouses. Our certified technicians undergo rigorous training and possess the expertise and resources to address mold infestations of any size or severity effectively. 

From initial assessment and containment to thorough cleaning and restoration, we employ a systematic approach to mold remediation, ensuring that the problem is addressed comprehensively and effectively. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, such as HEPA air scrubbers and antimicrobial treatments, we remove mold spores from the air and surfaces, sanitize affected areas, and implement preventive measures to inhibit future mold growth. Additionally, we work closely with property owners and managers to develop customized remediation plans that minimize disruption to business operations and ensure the safety and satisfaction of occupants.

Why choose SERVPRO for warehouse mold restoration?

SERVPRO is the trusted choice for discerning property owners regarding warehouse mold restoration. Our commitment to excellence and extensive experience in mold remediation sets us apart as industry leaders in the field. With our proven track record of success and dedication to customer satisfaction, clients can trust that their property will be restored to its pre-mold condition with minimal hassle and downtime.

By choosing SERVPRO for warehouse mold restoration, clients gain access to:

• Certified technicians: Our team of certified technicians undergoes rigorous training and adheres to industry best practices to ensure optimal results.
• Advanced equipment: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and technology to effectively remove mold spores from the air and surfaces, sanitize affected areas, and prevent future mold growth.
• Comprehensive solutions: From initial assessment and containment to thorough cleaning and restoration, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each property.
• Responsive service: We understand the urgency of mold remediation and respond promptly to calls for assistance, minimizing disruption to business operations and ensuring a swift return to normalcy.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our work and are committed to ensuring the satisfaction of our clients. If any issues arise, we address them promptly and effectively to ensure a positive outcome.

Give SERVPRO a call if you have a warehouse mold issue

In conclusion, warehouse mold is a pervasive issue that requires prompt and effective remediation to protect the health and safety of occupants and prevent further damage to the property. With SERVPRO's expertise and resources, property owners can trust that their warehouse mold concerns will be addressed with precision and care, minimizing disruptions to business operations and ensuring a safe, healthy environment. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized mold remediation services and take the first step towards a mold-free future for your commercial property.

Fast Disaster Recovery: 5 Reasons We’re Your Ultimate Ally

2/12/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers fast disaster recovery for residential and commercial property owners!

After an issue on your property, fast disaster recovery is the make or break of property restoration.

The path to recovery can seem daunting in the wake of a disaster. Property damage from natural calamities, accidents, or unforeseen mishaps can significantly disrupt lives and businesses. 

Amidst such chaos, choosing the right disaster recovery service is crucial. SERVPRO® stands out as a beacon of hope, offering fast, efficient, and reliable recovery services. This blog post delves into why SERVPRO is the preferred choice for fast disaster recovery, especially when dealing with insurance damages.

What is fast disaster recovery?

Fast disaster recovery is the swift and efficient restoration of properties and lives to pre-disaster conditions. This process involves emergency response, damage assessment, cleanup, repair, and restoration activities.

The goal is not just to repair the physical damage but also to mitigate further risks and ensure the safety and comfort of the affected individuals.

Why is timeliness crucial in disaster recovery?

Time is of the essence following a disaster. The longer the delay in addressing the damages, the higher the risk of secondary issues, such as mold growth, structural deterioration, and additional property losses. Quick response helps minimize these risks, securing the property and initiating the recovery process without delay. SERVPRO's 24/7 emergency service ensures that help is coming whenever disaster strikes.

How Does SERVPRO ensure fast disaster recovery?

SERVPRO's commitment to fast disaster recovery is backed by a highly trained team, advanced technology, and a comprehensive approach to restoration. The professionals at SERVPRO specialize in all aspects of disaster recovery, from water removal and drying to smoke and soot cleanup, mold remediation, and full-scale reconstruction.

Scenario: Property damage in Dayton, Ohio

In a recent event in Dayton, Ohio, a homeowner was devastated to find their property severely damaged due to a powerful storm. Their roof was partially damaged, leading to extensive water damage throughout the home. 

The owner, overwhelmed by the situation, contacted SERVPRO for assistance. 

The SERVPRO team arrived promptly, assessed the damage, and immediately began recovery. By leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and proven restoration techniques, we restored the property to its pre-disaster condition, much to the homeowner's relief.

What makes SERVPRO stand out for insurance damages?

Navigating the complexities of insurance claims while recovering from property damage can be overwhelming. SERVPRO excels in working closely with insurance companies, ensuring a smoother, more efficient claims process. With an understanding of insurance requirements and documentation, SERVPRO professionals help expedite the claims, allowing faster recovery.

What services does SERVPRO offer for fast disaster recovery?

SERVPRO's extensive range of services covers everything from water and fire damage restoration to mold remediation and commercial services. The team's expertise extends to dealing with catastrophic storm responses, specialized cleaning services, and even document restoration. This all-encompassing approach ensures that every aspect of the disaster recovery process is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why choose SERVPRO for fast disaster recovery services?

Choosing SERVPRO for fast disaster recovery services comes down to reliability, efficiency, and comprehensive care. Here are five compelling reasons:

1. 24/7 emergency response: Disasters don't wait for business hours. SERVPRO's 24/7 availability means immediate action, day or night, reducing further damage and recovery costs.
2. Expertise and experience: With years of experience and a team of highly trained professionals, SERVPRO offers unparalleled expertise in handling all types of disaster recovery scenarios.
3. Advanced technology: Utilizing the latest restoration technology, SERVPRO ensures efficient and effective recovery processes, from drying and dehumidification to air purification and mold remediation.
4. Insurance liaison: SERVPRO's experience with insurance processes simplifies and accelerates the claims process, ensuring you receive the support you need to recover fully.
5. Customer focus: A commitment to customer satisfaction is at the heart of SERVPRO's services. Understanding the stress and emotional toll of disasters, SERVPRO prioritizes compassionate service and transparent communication.

SERVPRO is your go-to for fast disaster recovery

In the aftermath of a disaster, the choice of recovery service can significantly impact the speed and success of your property's restoration. SERVPRO's fast disaster recovery services are designed to address the immediate needs of disaster-stricken properties while facilitating a smoother transition through the insurance claims process. With a 24/7 emergency response, a skilled team of professionals, and a comprehensive suite of services, SERVPRO ensures that your property and peace of mind are restored in no time.

Whether dealing with water damage, fire damage, or any other property disaster, SERVPRO's fast, efficient, and customer-focused approach makes it the ideal partner in your recovery journey. Trusting SERVPRO guarantees a swift return to normalcy and assures quality, reliability, and a seamless recovery experience. In choosing SERVPRO for fast disaster recovery, you're not just choosing a service provider but a partner committed to restoring your property and your life.

Expert Ice Dam Removal: 5 Excellent Questions to Ask

1/29/2024 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are a call away from helping you combat damages caused by ice dams.

Navigating the complexities of ice dam issues doesn’t have to be daunting for property owners. 

Welcome to the SERVPRO® realm of property mastery, where we navigate the intricacies of seasonal challenges. In this in-depth guide, we confront the winter menace of ice dams. Join us as we explore the five pivotal questions to ask ice dam removal experts, delving into the complexities of this frosty adversary. Realize the importance of informed decision-making through a compelling scenario in Beavercreek, Ohio, where a commercial property sought the expertise of our SERVPRO team to combat ice dam damage and witness the meticulous restoration that followed.

Why are ice dams a problem?

Ice dams materialize when melted snow refreezes at a roof's edge, creating a barrier that obstructs proper drainage. The resulting water intrusion poses a threat to a property's structural integrity and insulation and opens the door to potential mold issues. At SERVPRO, our approach to ice dam challenges is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted problems they can pose.

Does an ice dam mean I need a new roof?

Contrary to a common misconception, ice dams don't automatically mandate a total roof replacement. In a recent Beavercreek scenario, a commercial property faced severe ice dam issues leading to leaks and compromised insulation. Our SERVPRO experts conducted a meticulous assessment, revealing that targeted repairs and expert ice dam removal techniques could salvage the existing roof, offering significant cost savings to the property owner.

How can professionals help with ice dam removal?

Ice dam removal demands precision and expertise, qualities intrinsic to SERVPRO's approach. Our professionals excel in utilizing cutting-edge techniques, such as steam-based methods, to safely and efficiently eliminate ice dams. In Beavercreek, our team removed the existing ice dams and conducted repairs to address structural issues caused by water intrusion, ensuring a fully restored commercial property.

Can ice dam damage lead to mold issues?

Indeed, water intrusion resulting from ice dams creates an environment conducive to mold growth. SERVPRO's comprehensive approach ensures not only the removal of ice dams but also the prompt addressing of potential mold issues. Thorough inspections and targeted remediation strategies guarantee your property is safeguarded against secondary problems like mold growth.

What sets SERVPRO apart in ice dam removal?

SERVPRO's commitment to excellence shines in every facet of ice dam removal. Our rapid response, advanced techniques, and comprehensive restoration approach were exemplified in Beavercreek. Beyond addressing visible issues, we ensure a holistic restoration that exceeds expectations, setting us apart as the pinnacle of efficiency and expertise in ice dam removal.

Scenario in Beavercreek, Ohio:

In the heart of winter, a commercial property in Beavercreek found itself dealing with severe ice dam damages. Leaks and compromised insulation painted a grim picture, prompting an urgent call to SERVPRO. Responding promptly, our team conducted a meticulous assessment, identifying the extent of the ice dam issues. We efficiently removed the ice dams that plagued the property by leveraging state-of-the-art steam-based methods. Subsequent repairs addressed structural concerns caused by water intrusion, leaving the commercial property not just ice dam-free but fully restored to its pre-damage condition.

Call SERVPRO for help!

Choosing the right restoration experts is pivotal in the face of ice dam challenges. SERVPRO's proven success, showcased by our recent Beavercreek intervention, underscores our commitment to excellence. Opting for SERVPRO means selecting a team that goes beyond basics, provides tailored solutions, and prioritizes the longevity and integrity of your property. Don't let ice dams dictate your property's fate – trust SERVPRO for expert ice dam removal and restoration services, ensuring your peace of mind during winter's challenges. Our track record speaks for itself – when it comes to ice dam removal, SERVPRO stands as the epitome of efficiency and expertise, ready to master the chill and restore your property to its full glory.

Smoke Odor Exposed (These 5 Causes Can Make Your Home Stink)

1/8/2024 (Permalink)

There isn't a smoke odor that the professionals at SERVPRO can't combat!

Navigating the complexities of smoke odor doesn’t have to be daunting for property owners. 

Smoke odor—a silent but formidable adversary in property maintenance—presents more than just an inconvenience; it is a complex, multifaceted issue that can infiltrate and linger in living and working spaces, undermining their comfort, aesthetic appeal, and safety.

This stealthy invader, often unnoticed at first, can gradually permeate every property corner, embedding itself in fabrics, walls, and even the building's structural elements. Beyond its immediate sensory unpleasantness, smoke odor carries with it a host of potential health risks, particularly impacting those with respiratory sensitivities or allergies. 

In this in-depth exploration, we will dissect the five significant sources of smoke odor, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. We will also showcase how the SERVPRO® remediation techniques and seasoned expertise are your indispensable allies in the battle against these odorous specters, restoring your property to freshness and health beyond mere surface cleanliness. Join us as we embark on this comprehensive journey to understand and conquer the elusive adversary of smoke odor.

What is a smoke odor?

Smoke odor is more than just an unpleasant scent; it's a composite of various gasses and microscopic particles produced by the incomplete combustion of materials. These particles can deeply infiltrate fabrics, walls, and even the structure of your property. Besides being a nuisance, the odor of smoke can aggravate more severe issues. Understanding its nature is the first step in effectively dealing with it.

What are the five worst causes of a lingering smoke odor?

1. Tobacco use: One of the most common causes of indoor smoke odor is tobacco. The persistent use of tobacco products indoors leaves a lingering, stubborn smell that embeds itself in all types of surfaces.
2. Grease fires: Grease fires, commonly occurring in kitchens, produce a distinct and difficult-to-eliminate odor. The oily nature of the smoke from these fires means it clings more tenaciously to surfaces.
3. Electrical fires: These fires are particularly insidious, not only for their damage potential but also for the unique, acrid smell they leave behind, caused by the burning of electrical components and plastics.
4. Natural fires: Smoke from outdoor fires, such as forest or bushfires, can infiltrate homes, leaving a lingering, often acidic odor reminiscent of burnt wood and foliage.
5. Protein fires: Incidents involving burning proteins (like meat) in cooking can emit a strong, noxious scent. This smoke odor is notoriously challenging to remove due to its potent and distinct nature.

Do smoke odor sprays work?

While numerous odor removal products claim to eliminate smoke odor, most of these solutions offer only temporary relief. Smoke odor sprays typically mask the odor without addressing the root cause. For a lasting solution, a more thorough and professional approach is needed.

Why choose SERVPRO for smoke damage restoration?

At SERVPRO, our approach to smoke odor is comprehensive. Our trained fire restoration professionals use advanced techniques and equipment to identify the source of the odor and effectively neutralize it. This process may include ozone treatment, thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, and specialized cleaning solutions designed to penetrate and neutralize odor at a molecular level.

Opting for SERVPRO for fire and smoke damage restoration means trusting a team with unmatched expertise and a comprehensive toolkit. Our experience spans various scenarios, effectively equipping us to tackle any smoke odor challenge. Our swift response, detailed assessments, and customer-centric service set us apart in the industry. We aim to restore your property and provide peace of mind, knowing that your space is in capable hands.

Consider a recent situation in Beavercreek, Ohio, where a commercial property suffered from severe smoke odor following an electrical fire. 

1. Our SERVPRO team was promptly on-site to address the issue. 
2. We conducted an in-depth assessment and deployed a tailored strategy involving air filtration devices, thermal fogging, and a meticulous cleaning process. 

This multifaceted approach eradicated the smoke odor and restored the air quality, ensuring the commercial space was once again a pleasant and safe environment for its occupants.

Final thoughts 

In summary, smoke odor is a multifaceted challenge that demands expert attention and specialized techniques for effective resolution. SERVPRO stands at the forefront of addressing such challenges, backed by advanced technology and a seasoned team of professionals. From handling the remnants of tobacco smoke to neutralizing the effects of a protein fire, our comprehensive services ensure your property is restored to its original state, free from any lingering odors. Choosing SERVPRO means opting for reliability, efficiency, and excellence in property restoration.

Winter Water Damage: Your #1 Guide to Effective Prevention

12/25/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help combat water damage this winter!

This comprehensive winter water damage resource provides expert insights and practical steps to safeguard your property from water-related damage during the colder months.

The winter brings harsh weather and plummeting temperatures, presenting unique challenges for property owners. Winter water damage is one such challenge, a formidable threat because it can inflict significant harm to residential and commercial properties. 

This blog post will explore the common causes of winter water damage, offer practical prevention tips, and showcase how SERVPRO® expertise can be invaluable in restoring properties affected by this seasonal menace.

What are the common causes of winter water damage?

Winter water damage originates from conditions unique to the season. The primary factor is the freezing and subsequent bursting of water pipes. This phenomenon is most prevalent in poorly insulated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages. 

Another significant damage cause is ice dams, which form on roofs and impede proper water drainage, leading to potential seepage into the property. Poor insulation and ventilation can also lead to condensation issues, exacerbating the risk of water damage.

How can frozen pipes lead to property damage?

The impact of frozen pipes on a property can be severe and swift. When water within a pipe freezes, it expands, increasing internal pressure and potentially causing the pipe to burst. A pipe burst can lead to sudden and extensive water leakage, damaging floors, walls, furniture, and even the structural integrity of the building. 

Furthermore, the resulting damp environment is ideal for mold growth, posing additional risks and property damage.

Tips to prevent winter water damage

Preventing winter water damage is achievable with the proper measures. Here's a list of practical steps to safeguard your property:

1. Insulate pipes: Focus on insulating pipes, especially those in vulnerable areas like basements, attics, and garages. Pipe insulation is an affordable and effective way to prevent freezing.
2. Maintain consistent temperatures: Keep your property at a steady temperature, even in unused spaces, to prevent the conditions that cause pipes to freeze.
3. Inspect roof and gutters: Regularly check your roof, gutters, and downspouts for blockages or damage. Ensuring proper drainage reduces the risk of ice dams and water seepage.
4. Monitor snow accumulation: Keep an eye on snow loads on your roof. Excessive snow accumulation can lead to structural issues and water damage.
5. Seal cracks and openings: Seal any gaps in your building's exterior to prevent cold air from penetrating and freezing pipes.
6. Keep interior doors open: In colder areas of your building, keep interior doors open to allow heat circulation, reducing the risk of pipe freezing.
7. Disconnect outdoor hoses: Detach garden hoses and use faucet covers to protect outdoor spigots from freezing temperatures.
8. Know your property's water main: Familiarize yourself with the location of the water main in case you need to shut it off quickly in an emergency.
9. Use smart home technology: Consider installing smart home devices like thermostats and water leak detectors for better control and early detection of issues.
10. Professional inspection: Have a professional inspect and service your heating systems and insulation before the onset of winter.

Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of winter water damage to your property.

A recent emergency water damage call

Last week, in Dayton, Ohio, we at SERVPRO faced a challenging but all-too-common winter scenario. A commercial property integral to the local business community encountered a severe emergency: extensive water damage due to a frozen and subsequently burst pipe. This situation is a stark reminder of the havoc winter conditions can wreak on properties, particularly when temperatures plummet. 

The moment we received the distress call, our SERVPRO team sprang into action. Understanding the urgency and potential for escalating damage, we prioritized a rapid response. Our team, equipped with extensive training and specialized equipment, was on-site in record time. Upon arrival, we conducted a detailed assessment of the damage—the burst pipe had caused significant water intrusion, impacting not just the structural integrity of the building but also the critical operational areas of the business.

We clearly understood the situation and formulated a strategic action plan. The plan included:

1. Immediate water extraction: We quickly addressed the standing water throughout the property using our advanced water extraction technology. This step was crucial in halting the spread of water and minimizing secondary damage.
2. Drying and dehumidification: Our focus shifted to comprehensive drying and dehumidification post-extraction. We deployed cutting-edge drying equipment and dehumidifiers, eradicating even the most concealed moisture. This phase is critical in mitigating the risk of mold and mildew, which can pose hazards and further damage the property.
3. Preventing long-term damage: Our timely and professional approach went beyond immediate water removal. We meticulously monitored moisture levels and air quality to ensure the property was visually restored and secure from potential long-term issues like mold growth and structural weakness.

This incident in Dayton, Ohio, exemplifies the resilience and efficiency of our SERVPRO team. Faced with a familiar yet potentially devastating winter water damage scenario, our swift action and professional expertise salvaged the property and safeguarded it against future vulnerabilities. This case is a testament to our commitment to providing rapid, reliable, and comprehensive water damage restoration services, especially during the challenging winter months.

What should you do when you experience winter water damage?

Immediate action is crucial in the event of winter water damage. The first step is to stop the source of the water if possible. Then, quickly contacting a professional water restoration team is essential for mitigating the damage. While waiting for professional help, remove any wet items and attempt to dry the affected area. Extensive water damage requires professional equipment and expertise for thorough and safe restoration.

Wrapping up

SERVPRO's reputation in water damage restoration is built on swift response, advanced technology, and skilled professionals. We understand the nuances of water damage restoration, particularly in challenging winter conditions. Our team is trained to handle complex scenarios, ensuring efficient and effective restoration. With SERVPRO, property owners receive comprehensive restoration services tailored to their specific needs.

Choosing SERVPRO for winter water damage restoration offers more than just repair services; it provides partnership in property protection. Our quick response, cutting-edge techniques, and customer-centric approach make us a trusted ally in navigating the challenges of winter water damage. As we have seen, winter water damage can strike unexpectedly, but with preparation and the support of SERVPRO professionals, your property can emerge unscathed from the most challenging winter trials.

HVAC Fire Damage: 4 Essential Prevention Tips

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help combat fire disasters in your commercial property!

As leaders in the property restoration industry, we bring you an in-depth exploration of HVAC fire hazards, practical strategies for prevention, and top-tier solutions for recovery.

In the complex landscape of commercial property management, one hazard that often goes unnoticed until it's too late is HVAC fire damage. This blog post aims to shed light on the causes, prevention methods, insurance implications, and recovery solutions for this type of fire damage, focusing on SERVPRO® expertise in restoring properties affected by such incidents. Our discussion will guide you through essential knowledge and provide practical advice to safeguard your property against these risks.

How is the HVAC a fire hazard?

Industrial HVAC systems are integral to maintaining a comfortable and safe environment in commercial buildings. However, they can become a fire hazard for several reasons. Electrical issues, such as short circuits or faulty wiring, are common culprits. Additionally, dust, lint, and debris accumulation in ducts can pose a significant fire risk, especially when combined with the system's heat generation. Regular maintenance is crucial in identifying potential hazards before they escalate into a fire.

Tips to prevent HVAC fire damage

Proactive measures are vital in preventing HVAC fire damage. Here are some tips:

1. Conduct regular inspections: Ensure that HVAC systems are inspected and serviced by qualified professionals to identify and rectify potential hazards.
2. Clean and maintain: Regular cleaning of ducts and replacing filters can prevent dust accumulation, a standard fire starter.
3. Install safety devices: Smoke detectors and fire suppression systems can provide early warnings and mitigate damage in case of a fire.
4. Educate staff: Training employees about fire safety and proper HVAC system usage can significantly reduce fire risk.

A recent HVAC fire call in Dayton

A commercial property in Dayton, Ohio, recently faced a challenging HVAC fire damage situation. An electrical fault within the HVAC system sparked a fire, causing extensive property damage. They placed a call to our fire restoration professionals immediately.

We assessed the damage upon arrival, secured the site to prevent further harm, and began a comprehensive restoration process. 

Our efforts included cleaning soot and smoke damage, repairing structural issues, and restoring the property to its original state, demonstrating our commitment to efficient and thorough service.

Does insurance cover an HVAC Fire?

Understanding insurance coverage for HVAC fire damage is crucial. While most commercial insurance policies cover fire damage, the extent of coverage can vary.

Reviewing your policy is vital to understanding what is and isn't covered. Factors like the cause of the fire and compliance with safety regulations can influence your coverage.

Regular maintenance and adherence to safety standards prevent fires and ensure your insurance fully covers you in case of an incident.

Why choose SERVPRO for fire damage restoration?

Opting for SERVPRO for fire damage restoration means choosing a leader in the field. We bring:

• Rapid response: Our team is ready to respond immediately, reducing the extent of damage and business downtime.
• Expert assessment: We thoroughly evaluate the damage and create a tailored restoration plan.
• Advanced techniques: We ensure a thorough and efficient restoration process utilizing the latest equipment and techniques.
• Seamless insurance coordination: We work closely with insurance companies, simplifying the claims process for our clients.
• Commitment to Restoration: Our goal is to restore your property to its preloss condition, prioritizing quality and attention to detail.

Conclusion

HVAC fire damage in commercial properties is a serious issue, but with the proper knowledge, preventive measures, and the expertise of SERVPRO, it can be effectively managed and mitigated. Our experience in Dayton, Ohio, is a testament to our ability to handle complex fire damage scenarios professionally and efficiently. 

By choosing SERVPRO, you ensure the highest standards of care for your property. Regular maintenance and informed decision-making are your best defenses against HVAC fire damage. Trust SERVPRO to revive your property when disaster strikes.

Humidity Damage: 7 Effective Tips To Protect Your Property

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to help combat humidity damage!

Humidity damage can wreak silent havoc on properties if left unchecked.

Humidity can creep unseen into the nooks and crannies of homes and businesses, leading to many issues that can escalate if not promptly addressed. This comprehensive blog post delves into the intricacies of humidity damage, its signs, and practical solutions. 

Spotlighting how SERVPRO® professionals stand as your steadfast allies in combating these challenges, we draw from a recent case in Dayton, Ohio, to illustrate SERVPRO’s expertise in restoring properties affected by excess humidity. 

From identifying early warning signs to implementing cutting-edge restoration techniques, we provide a detailed look into humidity damage control. Join us as we explore why SERVPRO is your go-to choice for addressing humidity-related concerns and ensuring your property remains safe, healthy, and well-maintained in the face of this silent intruder.

What are the signs of a humid home?

A humid home can present several telltale signs. You may notice condensation on windows, a musty odor, or peeling wallpaper. These signs indicate excess moisture in the air, which can lead to more serious issues like mold growth and structural damage.

It’s crucial to recognize these signs early and take the appropriate action, such as those discussed in the next section.

7 tips to protect against humidity damage

Excess moisture can lead to various structural issues. Therefore, implementing proactive and practical strategies to safeguard your home against the detrimental effects of humidity damage is essential. 

You can significantly reduce the risk of humidity damage with a few basic steps. Here are some critical tips to help maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment:

1. Maintain indoor humidity levels: Keep indoor humidity between 30% to 50%.
2. Use dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas like basements and bathrooms.
3. Ensure proper ventilation: Ventilate your home regularly, especially after high-moisture activities like cooking or showering. Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Repair leaks promptly: Check and fix any roofing, plumbing, or windows leaks to prevent moisture seepage.
5. Manage exterior water flow: Keep gutters clean and ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to avoid water accumulation.
6. Use moisture-resistant materials: Opt for materials that resist moisture in areas likely to be damp.
7. Proactive measures: Stay vigilant and proactive in moisture control to protect your home from humidity damage.

By implementing these strategic measures, you can effectively shield your home from the adversity brought about by humidity damage. Regular maintenance, combined with a keen eye for moisture prevention, will play a critical role in preserving the health and integrity of your property. 

Remember, the key to combating humidity damage lies in being proactive and responsive to environmental conditions within your home. These steps will prevent costly repairs and ensure a safer and more comfortable living space for you and your family.

SERVPRO’s response to a Dayton property’s humidity crisis

In a recent scenario, a property in Dayton, Ohio, experienced severe humidity damage during the summer. The property owner noticed peeling paint, a musty odor, and swollen wooden fixtures. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they called SERVPRO. 

Our team promptly assessed and implemented a tailored humidity control plan. We used industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to reduce the moisture levels. Our mold remediation experts tackled the mold growth, ensuring the property was restored to a safe and comfortable environment.

Why choose SERVPRO for humidity damage?

Choosing SERVPRO for humidity damage means entrusting your property to skilled professionals. Our team has advanced tools and extensive knowledge in tackling humidity-related issues. We provide a swift response, comprehensive damage assessment, and practical, lasting solutions. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and our ability to restore properties to their pre-damage state make SERVPRO the ideal choice for combating humidity damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing the signs of humidity damage and understanding its implications are crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. SERVPRO’s expertise, as demonstrated in the Dayton, Ohio, case, underscores our capability to handle such situations efficiently. By choosing SERVPRO, you ensure your property receives the highest care and expertise in humidity damage restoration. 

Timely action can save your property from long-term damage and costly repairs. Trust SERVPRO to restore your property to its best form, safeguarding it against excess humidity.

Roof Hail Damage: Take These 5 Simple Steps After It Happens

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO understand the importance of quickly addressing roof hail damage.

Roof hail damage can cause severe structural issues when left unaddressed.

Hailstorms are among nature’s most potent forces, transforming ice into projectiles that can wreak havoc on the integrity of a home, particularly the roof. When a violent hailstorm struck Beavercreek, Ohio, residents were left grappling with the aftermath of weather-inflicted property damage. 

The following blog post will cover everything you need about roof hail damage and how our SERVPRO® team in Dayton responds to homes battered by nature’s fury.

How can you tell if a roof is hail-damaged?

After any hailstorm, the most pressing concern for homeowners is determining the extent of the damage inflicted on their roofs. Roof hail damage often manifests in several forms—from noticeable indentations and cracks to less visible granule loss on asphalt shingles.

Following the mentioned storm in Beavercreek, homeowners quickly noticed the dents on their siding and gutters, a primary indication of the potential damage to their rooftops. Our SERVPRO team conducted a thorough assessment upon their arrival, revealing visible dents and depressions on the shingles and soft spots—much like a bruise on an apple—signaling severe damage underneath.

Should a roof be replaced after hail damage?

Deciding whether to replace a roof after hail damage depends on the severity of the damage. For some, a total replacement is necessary to maintain the roof’s structural integrity, while others may only require repairs to specific sections. 

After the recent Beavercreek hail storm, the SERVPRO professionals evaluated the extent of the hail damage using industry-leading techniques and tools. The damage was significant, with a compromised waterproof barrier, which necessitated repairs and a complete roof overhaul. A timely intervention prevented potential long-term issues, such as water leaks or insulation problems, which could have led to more extensive damage inside the home.

Will insurance pay for hail damage?

Insurance coverage is a common and critical question for homeowners. Typically, home insurance policies cover the damage caused by hail. However, the insurance claims process can be intricate and demands precise documentation. 

The homeowners in Beavercreek faced the daunting task of insurance paperwork following the hail damage. SERVPRO professionals provided comprehensive damage documentation, a critical service that streamlined the insurance claim process. The detailed records and photographic evidence supplied by the SERVPRO team ensured that the homeowners could present a solid case for their insurance providers, leading to justified coverage for their loss.

What are the immediate steps to take following roof hail damage?

Immediate action is vital to prevent further damage after a hailstorm. Here’s what SERVPRO did in Beavercreek:

1. Assessment: Our team arrived promptly to conduct an exhaustive evaluation, identifying all areas of damage.
2. Protection: We secured the compromised roof areas with tarps to shield the interior from water damage.
3. Water Removal: Using powerful pumps and vacuums, we extracted water that had started to leak into the property.
4. Drying: Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers were employed to ensure the property was thoroughly dried.
5. Restoration: Damaged materials were removed and replaced, and the entire roof was restored to a condition that met or exceeded its original integrity.

Why is it crucial to have professionals address hail damage immediately?

Hail damage is insidious and can escalate if not promptly and adequately addressed. Quick, professional intervention is necessary to mitigate immediate water damage and to prevent long-term structural issues. SERVPRO’s team of experts specializes in direct response and takes proactive steps to avoid the aggravation of hail damage. In Beavercreek, our intervention saved the roof and interior from potential mold growth and structural weakness.

Why choose SERVPRO for roof hail damage cleanup?

When confronting the chaos of roof hail damage, choosing the right storm damage professionals can mean the difference between a quick return to normalcy and prolonged, expensive restoration. Here’s why SERVPRO stands out:

• Expertise and experience: With in-depth knowledge of the construction and restoration processes, SERVPRO experts bring a wealth of experience to every project.
• Swift response: SERVPRO understands the urgency of hail damage, ensuring a prompt and efficient response to prevent further damage.
• Insurance liaison: We simplify the complexities of the claims process, working directly with insurance companies to ease homeowners’ burdens.
• Comprehensive solutions: From initial damage assessment to final touches in restoration, SERVPRO provides a full spectrum of services to bring your property back to pre-storm conditions.

What recently happened in Beavercreek is a testament to SERVPRO’s commitment to restoring each property with precision and care, turning overcast post-storm worries into a silver lining. Choosing SERVPRO for roof hail damage cleanup ensures a robust, reliable, and resilient return to safety and comfort.

Fall Fire Damage: 5 Undeniable Causes To Watch Out For

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the go-to choice for property owners in Dayton looking to combat fire damage!

Fire damage restoration professionals have seen fall fire damage happen inside and outdoors.

With its crisp air, colorful leaves, and warm ambiance, fall can often give us a false sense of security. While the season may seem picturesque, it also brings specific risks, especially for homeowners. One such risk is the potential for fall fire damage. 

Fire hazards lurk around our homes as the temperatures drop and the nights grow longer. Home fire hazards are not only a threat to property but also to the safety of families living inside.

Last year, we received an urgent call from a distressed homeowner in Dayton, Ohio, after their property suffered severe fall fire damage. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance during autumn.

What is fall fire damage?

Fall fire damage refers to the destruction or impairment of property due to fires that typically occur in autumn. Factors like fallen leaves, heating equipment, and using candles during Halloween and Thanksgiving contribute to the rise in house fires during this period.

How does fall fire damage occur?

There are several reasons why fires tend to increase during the autumn season:

1. Heating equipment: As the weather gets colder, homeowners use heating equipment more frequently. However, malfunctioning heaters or those placed too close to flammable materials can quickly start a fire.
2. Fallen leaves: Dry and fallen leaves can be a fire hazard, especially if they accumulate near the house or in the gutters.
3. Candles: With festivities in the air, the use of candles increases. But, leaving them unattended or placing them near flammable objects can lead to disasters.
4. Halloween decorations: Many decorations are made of combustible materials, which can be hazardous, especially when paired with open flames or faulty lighting.
5. Chimneys: Chimneys can get clogged as their usage increases without regular maintenance, leading to a potential fire hazard.

What is the severity of a fire hazard?

The recent case from Dayton, Ohio, illustrates the severity perfectly. The homeowner had lit a candle on a wooden mantel surrounded by autumn decorations. The candle was left unattended for just a few minutes, and the decorations caught fire, rapidly spreading and causing extensive damage to their home. When firefighters extinguished the flames, a significant portion of the property was destroyed.

Tips to prevent indoor and outdoor fall fires

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some recommendations for fire damage prevention:

• Inspect heating equipment: Before using heaters, ensure they're in good working condition and keep them away from flammable materials.
• Clear dry leaves: Regularly remove fallen leaves, especially from gutters and areas near the house.
• Be careful with candles: Never leave candles unattended; keep them away from flammable materials.
• Opt for LED lights: Instead of open flames, opt for LED lights for Halloween decorations.
• Chimney maintenance: Inspect and clean chimneys to prevent blockages and possible fires.

Why choose SERVPRO® for fall fire damage recovery?

When faced with the aftermath of a devastating fire, homeowners are often overwhelmed with emotions and uncertainty. That is when they need to look to an experienced fire restoration team to step in. Here's why SERVPRO should be your first call:

1. Quick response: In the case of the Dayton homeowner, our SERVPRO team was on-site within hours, minimizing further damage.
2. Experienced professionals: Our team has the training and experience to handle fire damage, ensuring a thorough and efficient restoration process.
3. Advanced equipment: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to restore your property to its pre-fire condition.
4. Insurance assistance: Navigating insurance claims can be daunting, but our team aids homeowners in the process, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
5. Personalized care: Every fire damage situation is unique, and our team provides customized solutions tailored to each homeowner's needs.

Wrapping up

Fall fire damage is a real and pressing concern. As the seasons change, homeowners must be vigilant and proactive in preventing potential fire hazards. But if disaster does strike, it's crucial to have a reliable and efficient partner for recovery. SERVPRO's rapid response, expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the obvious choice for homeowners facing the aftermath of fall fire damage. With our help, homes and lives can be rebuilt, even in adversity.

Attic Water Damage: Watch Out for These 5 Alarming Causes

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO offer tailored attic water damage solutions.

Attic water damage may go unnoticed for months without the occasional inspection.

Every homeowner dreads the thought of water damage—primarily when it occurs in a less-frequented area of the home, like the attic. Though often overlooked, the attic can be a primary source of significant issues if water damage occurs.

It’s not just about the potential harm; mold growth and structural damage can decrease your home’s value. 

In the article, we’re diving deep into understanding the nuances of attic water damage. We’ll also relay how SERVPRO® expertly handled a particularly challenging case in Dayton, Ohio, earlier this year.

What is attic water damage?

Attic water damage is the deterioration that occurs when unwanted moisture or water infiltrates the attic space. This damage can range from staining of the ceiling to rotting of beams and mold growth. The reasons for water infiltration can vary, but the ramifications are equally dire if not addressed promptly.

How does attic water damage occur?

There are various routes for water to make its unwanted entry into the attic. Common causes include:

• Roof leaks: Damaged or missing shingles, faulty flashing, or a compromised underlayment can allow water to seep in.
• Blocked gutters: When gutters overflow, water can wick into the sheathing and flow into the attic.
• Condensation: A poorly ventilated attic can lead to moisture buildup, especially in colder months.
• Ice dams: In winter, ice can form at the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow from draining and causing it to seep into the attic.
• Faulty installations: Incorrectly installed or aged vents, skylights, and chimneys can be culprits, too.

What happens if water gets in your attic?

Once water enters your attic, it remains a complex water problem. If left untreated:

• Structural damage: Wood beams and support structures can weaken, leading to a compromised roof.
• Insulation damage: Wet insulation loses efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and comfort issues.
• Mold growth: Damp environments are breeding grounds for mold, which poses risks.
• Staining: Unsightly water stains can appear on the interior ceilings and walls.

Will wet attic insulation dry out?

Attic insulation cannot effectively dry on its own. While minor moisture may evaporate if given adequate ventilation and time, its efficacy drastically reduces once attic insulation becomes waterlogged. Mold growth becomes a concern, and the insulation often requires replacement.

SERVPRO to the rescue: A recent scenario

Earlier this year, our SERVPRO team received an urgent call from a Dayton, Ohio, homeowner who noticed a brownish water stain spreading on their bedroom ceiling. The team’s swift response uncovered significant attic water damage from a recent storm. At the root, the cause was damaged roof shingles.

The attic insulation was sodden, mold patches had started to form, and the wooden beams were damp. The homeowner was understandably distressed, but our SERVPRO professionals got to work immediately. With our advanced equipment, the team extracted the water, dried out the attic, replaced the compromised insulation, treated and eliminated the mold, and repaired the roof’s damaged section.

Tips to prevent attic water damage

1. Regularly inspect your roof: Look for signs of wear and tear, such as missing or damaged shingles, which can be entry points for water.
2. Clean gutters and downspouts: Ensure they’re debris-free to allow water to flow away from your home and not seep into the attic.
3. Ensure proper attic ventilation: A well-ventilated attic can prevent condensation buildup and help avoid moisture damage.
4. Install a vapor barrier: This measure can help keep moist air from your living spaces out of the attic.
5. Check for ice dams post snowfall: After heavy snow, look for ice formations at the roof’s edge, which can trap water, forcing it under shingles and into the attic.

By following these tips, homeowners can effectively reduce the risk of attic water damage and safeguard the integrity of their property.

Why choose SERVPRO for attic water damage recovery?

You can always count on SERVPRO after your property suffers from attic water damage; here’s why: 

1. Quick response: At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of a rapid response. The faster we arrive, the less damage accrues.
2. Experienced professionals: Our team has the skills and knowledge to handle any attic water damage situation.
3. Advanced equipment: We invest in the latest technology to extract water-dry spaces and restore them to their pre-damage condition.
4. Comprehensive service: We handle every step with precision, from initial assessment to final restoration.
5. Customer satisfaction: Our commitment is to restore your property and ensure peace of mind.

Conclusion

Attic water damage, while often unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue, can lead to severe consequences for a homeowner. It is crucial to recognize the signs early, understand their implications, and know whom to call for help. Our Dayton case is a testament to SERVPRO’s expertise and dedication in handling such crises.

If you ever face attic water damage, remember that time is of the essence. The quicker you act, the lesser the damage, cost, and inconvenience. Trust SERVPRO to bring your home back to its best. After all, we’re the experts regarding water damage recovery.

School Water Damage: The Top 3 Ruthless Culprits

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help combat school water damage!

Do you understand school water damage, the primary causes, and their impact?

When it comes to educational institutions, maintaining a safe and productive environment for both students and staff is of utmost importance. However, there are moments when unforeseen circumstances, like school water damage, can disrupt the normalcy of daily routines. 

Today, we're diving deep into the common causes of school water damage and how expert solutions from SERVPRO® can alleviate the stress and restore normalcy.

What is school water damage?

School water damage refers to the unexpected water intrusion in sections of a school building, causing potential harm to structures, materials, and academic activities. School water damage can lead to mold growth, structural weakness, and safety concerns. Timely intervention is necessary, and that's where professionals like SERVPRO come into play.

3 common causes of school water damage

Understanding the root cause of any problem is the first step toward finding a solution. When it comes to school water damage, there are three primary culprits:

1. Plumbing failures: Schools, especially older ones, may have outdated plumbing systems susceptible to leaks and bursts. A simple leak in a restroom can quickly escalate, flooding corridors and classrooms.
2. HVAC issues: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems work tirelessly to maintain school comfort. However, when malfunctioning, they can lead to condensation buildup and water damage.
3. Natural disasters: Whether it's heavy rain, floods, or storms, mother nature can unleash its wrath, leading to significant water intrusion in school properties.

Why was SERVPRO called to a Dayton, Ohio, school earlier this year?

Earlier this year, a prominent school in Dayton, Ohio, faced severe school water damage. Following an unexpected plumbing failure during a holiday break, large volumes of water gushed out, impacting classrooms, the library, and even the administrative block.

The damage was extensive. Books, teaching materials, and electronic equipment were ruined. Mold began to form, posing a structural hazard. The administrative team, realizing the enormity of the situation, knew they needed experts to handle the mess. Without hesitation, they called SERVPRO.

Our SERVPRO team promptly arrived on the scene, conducting an initial assessment. The team extracted water with specialized equipment, dried the affected areas, and began sanitizing every inch of the school. Our crew also liaised with the school administration, keeping them informed every step of the way, ensuring peace of mind. Within a short span, the school was ready to welcome its students and staff, all thanks to the relentless water damage restoration services provided by SERVPRO.

Why should schools choose SERVPRO for their school water damage repairs?

Schools are more than just buildings; they're centers of learning, growth, and community. Hence, the remedy must be swift, thorough, and professional when they suffer from water damage. Here's why SERVPRO stands out in handling school water damage repairs:

• Speedy response: Time is of the essence. SERVPRO understands this and ensures a quick response, mitigating further damage and setting the restoration process in motion.
• Expertise and experience: Our team comprises professionals trained to handle extensive water damage scenarios, ensuring your institution is in the best hands.
• Advanced equipment: From water extraction to dehumidification, we use the latest technology to ensure your school returns to its former glory.
• Safety first: We prioritize the safety of the students and staff. By providing thorough cleanup and sanitation, we make sure your school environment is healthy and hazard-free.

Conclusion

When it comes to school water damage repairs, many concerns come to mind—from the students' safety to the building's structural integrity. But with SERVPRO, schools can be assured of top-notch service, swift action, and a thorough job. So, if you ever find yourself grappling with school water damage, remember: SERVPRO is just a call away.

3 Critical Signs You Need an Insurance Damage Estimate

9/11/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to perform insurance damage estimates!

Understanding property damage and getting a swift insurance damage estimate is vital for securing resources for repair.

A disaster—a sudden storm, flooding, or any other unexpected calamity—can wreak havoc on your property. These situations are where the importance of an insurance damage estimate becomes apparent. 

This comprehensive guide will explore the three most common property damage indications necessitating an insurance damage estimate. We'll also recount a recent scenario where our SERVPRO® team was called to rescue a property in Dayton, Ohio, that suffered from vandalism damage, shedding light on our pivotal role in the restoration process.

 But that's not all – we'll conclude by explaining why SERVPRO should be your top choice when seeking a professional insurance damage estimate.

What is an insurance damage estimate?

Before we dive into the specifics, let's begin with the basics: What exactly is an insurance damage estimate? An insurance damage estimate is a detailed assessment of the damage incurred by your property due to unforeseen events. It is a crucial step in securing compensation from your insurance provider to cover restoration and repair costs.

Imagine waking up to a scenario where your property has been severely impacted by a natural disaster, fire, or even vandalism. At this point, you might wonder, "Do I need an insurance damage estimate?" The answer, in many cases, is a resounding "Yes." Let's explore the three most common situations where an insurance damage estimate is imperative.

3 situations where you need an insurance damage estimate

Natural disasters strike

Picture this: It's a calm summer afternoon in Dayton, Ohio, and suddenly, dark clouds roll in, followed by a fierce storm. The howling winds and torrential rain take a toll on your property. Trees fall, windows shatter, and water seeps into every crevice of your home. 

In such a situation, it's evident that an insurance damage estimate is necessary.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes can cause extensive damage that is often beyond the scope of regular maintenance and repair. An insurance damage estimate becomes the first step in the recovery process, allowing you to assess the full extent of the damage and start the journey toward restoration.

At SERVPRO, we understand the urgency and stress of such events. Our experienced team is ready to respond swiftly to assess the damage, ensuring every detail is accounted for in your insurance damage estimate.

Fire ravages your property

Fire, one of the most destructive forces known to humanity, can strike at any time. A minor kitchen mishap or an electrical malfunction can escalate into a devastating blaze that engulfs your entire property.

When the flames are finally extinguished, what remains is not just charred debris but also hidden damage that might not be immediately visible. Smoke and soot can infiltrate walls, ceilings, and air ducts, causing long-term damage if not adequately addressed. To accurately estimate the scope of such damage, you need an insurance damage estimate from experts who understand the intricacies of fire damage restoration.

SERVPRO has a proven track record in handling fire damage restoration projects, making us the preferred choice for homeowners and property owners dealing with the aftermath of a fire. Our comprehensive insurance damage estimates ensure that every detail is accounted for, guaranteeing you receive the compensation you deserve.

Vandalism 

In our recent scenario in Dayton, Ohio, we encountered a unique situation. Vandals had targeted a property, leaving destruction in their wake. Windows were shattered, doors broken, and the interior of the building was in shambles.

Vandalism is an unfortunate event that can happen to any property owner. In such cases, it can be challenging to assess the extent of the damage on your own. You might wonder if an insurance damage estimate is necessary. The answer is a resounding "Yes" because these incidents often involve hidden damage that requires professional evaluation.

SERVPRO's team of experts specializes in handling vandalism damage restoration. We understand it's not just about fixing what's visible; it's about ensuring your property is secure and restored to its pre-damage condition. Our insurance damage estimates provide a clear roadmap for the restoration process, giving you peace of mind during a challenging time.

Why choose SERVPRO for your insurance damage estimate?

Now that we've explored the three most common situations where an insurance damage estimate is essential, you might wonder why SERVPRO should be your top choice in this critical process. The answer lies in our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

1. Experience and expertise: With over five decades of experience in the restoration industry and armed with professional software like Xactimate, SERVPRO has honed its expertise in handling various property damage scenarios. Our skilled professionals have undergone rigorous training to ensure they can handle any situation effectively and efficiently.
2. Advanced technology: We invest in cutting-edge technology and equipment to provide the most accurate insurance damage estimate possible. Our state-of-the-art tools help us identify hidden damage and create a detailed assessment that ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
3. 24/7 Emergency response: Disasters don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. SERVPRO offers a 24/7 emergency response service, ensuring that we are there for you when you need us the most. We understand that time is of the essence in mitigating damage and starting the restoration process.
4. Dedication to customer satisfaction: At SERVPRO, we prioritize your satisfaction above all else. We work closely with your insurance provider to streamline the claims process and ensure a hassle-free experience. We aim to make the restoration journey as smooth as possible during a challenging time.

Conclusion

In times of distress, when your property faces the unexpected, an insurance damage estimate becomes a lifeline toward recovery. The three common scenarios we've discussed—natural disasters, fire damage, and vandalism—all underscore the critical importance of this process.

SERVPRO, with decades of experience, advanced technology, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, stands as your trusted partner in restoration. Whether you find yourself in Dayton, Ohio, or any other location, our team is ready to respond promptly, assess the damage comprehensively, and guide you through the insurance damage estimate process.

Don't leave the fate of your property to chance. Choose SERVPRO for your insurance damage estimate and experience the difference that expertise and dedication can make in your journey toward restoration and recovery. When disaster strikes, we'll help you rebuild, one step at a time.

Garage Door Damage: 6 Effective Strategies For Your Property

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Your garage door will be repaired quickly with the help of SERVPRO!

Don’t let the destructive forces of nature affect your home—safeguard yourself from garage door damage!

When turbulent winds of a storm gather momentum and threaten to unleash their fury, the garage door is one of the most vulnerable points of any home. Though the garage door might seem sturdy, it can be susceptible to the relentless onslaught of storms alongside siding and windows. 

This blog post will delve into safeguarding your garage door against storm damage. We will explore common signs of garage door damage, offer tips on how to protect your garage door from the wrath of nature and shed light on why SERVPRO® should be your go-to choice for restoring your property to its former glory in the wake of a storm. Let’s fortify your garage against any storm’s rage!

What are the common signs of garage door damage? 

Garage doors might appear robust, but even a minor breach in their integrity can have a cascading effect. Signs of garage door damage are often more subtle than one might imagine. Look out for misaligned tracks, unusual noises during operation, sagging sections, and frayed cables. An impaired garage door isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s an open invitation to storm damage. Promptly addressing these signs can save you from major headaches down the road.

6 tips to protect your garage door from storm damage 

In the face of an impending storm, proactivity is vital to fortifying your garage door against potential destruction. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to shield your garage door from the wrath of Mother Nature:

1. Reinforce door materials: Consider upgrading to reinforced steel or aluminum doors. These materials offer enhanced durability, making them more resistant to storm impact.
2. Install bracing systems: Invest in a high-quality bracing system that can help distribute the force of wind and debris impact, thereby reducing the chances of structural damage.
3. Regular maintenance: Your garage door requires regular maintenance, like any high-volume part of your home. Lubricate moving parts, inspect cables and ensure the door’s alignment is spot-on.
4. Secure windows: If your garage door has windows, reinforce them with shatter-resistant film to prevent the glass from shattering during a storm, thereby reducing the risk of further damage.
5. Trim nearby trees: Overhanging branches can turn into projectiles during a storm, causing significant damage. Keep them trimmed and well-maintained to minimize this risk.
6. Storm-ready garage door: Consider investing in a garage door designed to withstand storms. These doors are engineered with robust materials and reinforced designs that can significantly reduce the impact of extreme weather.

SERVPRO’s rapid response to a storm-damaged garage door 

Earlier this year, a sudden and violent storm tore through the area, leaving behind a wake of destruction. One of the properties affected was that of the Johnson family. Battered by the relentless wind, their garage door was torn from its hinges, exposing their belongings to the elements. Distraught and unsure where to turn, they contacted SERVPRO for help. Our team arrived promptly, assessing the damage and developing a comprehensive restoration plan.

Utilizing our state-of-the-art equipment and industry expertise, we began the restoration process. Our technicians secured the property, preventing further damage, and worked tirelessly to repair and restore the garage door to its pre-storm condition. The Johnson family expressed their gratitude for our swift response, professional approach, and meticulous attention to detail that our team displayed throughout the restoration journey.

Why choose SERVPRO for storm restoration services? 

Choosing the right partner for storm restoration services can make all the difference in restoring your property efficiently and effectively. Here’s why SERVPRO stands out in the realm of storm damage restoration:

• Rapid response: Storm damage requires immediate attention. SERVPRO’s 24/7 availability ensures that our expert teams are always ready to respond to your distress call, minimizing the extent of damage.
• Comprehensive expertise: Our technicians undergo rigorous training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to handle various storm-related restoration challenges.
• Cutting-edge equipment: We invest in advanced technology and equipment to address storm damage with precision and efficiency.
• Personalized approach: We understand that every restoration project is unique. Our tailored solutions ensure your property receives the specific care it needs to recover fully.
• Insurance liaison: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. SERVPRO’s experience working with insurance providers ensures a seamless claims process, alleviating unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

When storm clouds gather and threaten your home, fortifying your garage door becomes crucial for protecting your property. By recognizing the signs of garage door damage, implementing preventive measures, and knowing that SERVPRO is your steadfast ally with our industry-leading storm restoration services, you can ensure that your home weathers the storm and emerges more robust than before. The Johnson family’s experience is a testament to the unmatched expertise and dedication SERVPRO brings. Trust SERVPRO for storm restoration services, and let us be the guiding light in the aftermath of nature’s fury.

Restaurant Fire Damage: Fight Back With #1 Team of Experts

8/11/2023 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to bring your restaurant back to life after fire damage!

Explore the critical culprits behind restaurant fires and learn about safeguarding against potential disasters.

As commercial property owners know, ensuring your business's and patrons' safety and well-being is paramount. Unfortunately, restaurant fire damage is a common and devastating occurrence that can disrupt operations and cause financial setbacks. 

As a responsible property owner, knowing the most common causes of restaurant fire damage and choosing a reliable fire restoration service is crucial. 

This blog post will explore the top five common causes of restaurant fire damage and why SERVPRO® is the ideal choice for commercial fire restoration services. We'll take you through a real-life scenario from earlier this year where our SERVPRO team responded to a restaurant kitchen fire and detail the steps we followed to restore the establishment to its former glory.

What is restaurant fire damage? 

Restaurant fire damage is the destruction caused by fires within the kitchen or other parts of the establishment. These fires often result from various factors, such as grease buildup, electrical malfunctions, faulty equipment, or human error. The repercussions of a restaurant fire can be severe, leading to property damage, loss of valuable assets, and potential harm to staff and customers.

Top 5 most common causes of restaurant fire damage

1. Grease buildup and poor kitchen maintenance
2. Electrical malfunctions and overloaded circuits
3. Improper handling of cooking equipment
4. Flammable decorations and materials
5. Negligence and human error

Grease buildup and poor kitchen maintenance

One of the leading causes of restaurant fires is grease buildup in kitchen hoods, exhausts, and cooking surfaces. Grease is highly flammable, and surfaces coated with it can ignite if not regularly cleaned and maintained. A tiny spark or high heat can quickly escalate into a raging fire, endangering lives and property.

Electrical malfunctions and overloaded circuits

Faulty electrical systems and overloaded circuits can trigger fires in a restaurant setting. Outdated wiring, damaged appliances, or improper use of extension cords increase the risk of electrical fires. Regular inspections by licensed professionals are crucial to prevent such disasters.

Improper handling of cooking equipment

In a fast-paced restaurant environment, it's easy for staff to get distracted or mishandle cooking equipment. Unattended stoves, deep fryers, and ovens can lead to fires that spread rapidly and cause extensive damage.

Flammable decorations and materials

Restaurants often use decorative elements that may be flammable, such as curtains, tablecloths, and paper menus. These materials can quickly catch fire and engulf the entire space when placed near open flames or heat sources.

Negligence and human error

Human error is an unfortunate but common factor in restaurant fire incidents. Employees may neglect to turn off appliances, mishandle flammable substances, or overlook potential fire hazards, leading to dire consequences.

Tips to avoid restaurant fire damage

Preventing restaurant fire damage requires proactive measures and a commitment to safety. Implement the following tips to minimize the risk of fire incidents:

• Regularly inspect and clean kitchen hoods and exhausts to remove grease buildup.
• Train staff on proper handling and maintenance of cooking equipment.
• Conduct routine checks on electrical systems and address any issues promptly.
• Use fire-resistant decorations and materials in the restaurant.
• Develop and enforce fire safety protocols for all employees.

In 2023, restaurant fire damage began in the kitchen

Earlier this year, a popular local restaurant experienced a devastating fire in its kitchen during peak business hours. The fire originated from a grease buildup in the kitchen hood and quickly spread to other areas. Panicked patrons were evacuated, and the restaurant's management swiftly called SERVPRO for immediate assistance.

Upon arriving at the scene, our SERVPRO team assessed the extent of the restaurant fire damage and formulated a comprehensive restoration plan. Here are the steps we followed:

Step 1: Emergency response and assessment: Our highly trained fire restoration experts arrived promptly, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and protective gear. We thoroughly assessed the damage to determine the restoration requirements and safety measures.

Step 2: Secure the property: The priority was to secure the property to prevent further damage or unauthorized access. We boarded up broken windows, doors, and other openings to safeguard against theft and weather elements.

Step 3: Water removal and drying: The firefighting efforts left the restaurant soaked in water. We utilized industrial-grade water extraction equipment and dehumidifiers to remove excess water and initiate drying.

Step 4: Soot and smoke removal: The restaurant was filled with soot and smoke residues, posing health risks and potential damage. Our team employed specialized cleaning techniques and air purifiers to eliminate soot particles and odors.

Step 5: Structural repair and restoration: We focused on restoring the restaurant's structure and interior. Every effort was made to return the establishment to its pre-fire condition, from repainting walls to replacing damaged furniture.

Step 6: Final inspection and handover: Our experts conducted a meticulous final review before handing over the property to the restaurant management. We ensured all safety standards were met, and the restaurant was again ready to welcome its patrons.

Why choose SERVPRO for fire restoration services? 

Choosing the right fire restoration service provider is crucial to efficiently and effectively recover from restaurant fire damage. SERVPRO stands out as the preferred choice for several compelling reasons:

1. Rapid response: Our emergency response team is available 24/7, ensuring a swift arrival at your establishment and minimizing further damage.
2. Industry expertise: With decades of experience, our skilled technicians possess the knowledge and training to handle various types of fire damage scenarios.
3. State-of-the-art equipment: SERVPRO utilizes advanced equipment and technologies to restore your property quickly and thoroughly.
4. Comprehensive services: We offer a complete range of fire damage restoration services from initial assessment to final restoration.
5. Insurance assistance: Dealing with insurance claims can be complex. SERVPRO assists in navigating the process and communicating with insurance providers.

Wrapping up 

Restaurant fire damage is a significant threat that commercial property owners must be prepared to face. Understanding the common causes of such disasters and taking preventive measures can help minimize the risk. However, choosing a trusted fire restoration service like SERVPRO can make all the difference in an unfortunate fire incident. Our prompt response, industry expertise, and dedication to restoring your property to its pre-fire condition make us the top choice for commercial fire restoration services. With SERVPRO by your side, you can rest assured that your restaurant will rise from the ashes, more robust and safer than ever.

The #1 Guide to Waterproofing: Stay Safe From Leaks!

7/31/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for emergency water damage services!

Waterproofing is the answer to preventing water damage. 

Water damage is a significant concern for homeowners, and one of the areas most vulnerable to water infiltration is the basement or crawlspace. Unwanted moisture can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other costly issues. 

Waterproofing your basement or crawlspace protects your property from water damage and its associated consequences. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the importance of waterproofing, the products used in the process, and why SERVPRO® is the ideal choice for water damage restoration.

What is waterproofing? 

Waterproofing makes a structure impervious to water by applying specialized materials and techniques to prevent water intrusion. It involves sealing the foundation and walls to create a barrier against moisture, preventing it from entering the basement or crawlspace.

You create a dry and safe environment by waterproofing your basement or crawlspace, mitigating the risk of water damage to your property. Water intrusion can lead to various issues, such as structural damage, mold and mildew growth, musty odors, and compromised indoor air quality. You can avoid expensive repairs and hazards by addressing these concerns early on.

The importance of waterproofing

Water damage can occur for various reasons, including heavy rainfall, plumbing leaks, or inadequate drainage systems. Basements and crawlspaces are particularly susceptible to water intrusion because they are below ground level. Moisture can seep through cracks in the foundation, gaps in windows or doors, or even rise through the ground.

Without proper waterproofing, this excess moisture can lead to numerous problems. It can weaken the foundation, causing cracks and compromising the structural integrity of your property. The constant exposure to moisture can also create an ideal environment for mold growth, which can damage building materials and pose risks to occupants.

What techniques are used for waterproofing?

SERVPRO utilizes advanced products and techniques to ensure effective and long-lasting results when waterproofing your basement or crawlspace. Here are some of the critical methods and products used:

• Waterproofing membranes: high-quality waterproofing membranes act as a barrier against water penetration. These durable membranes are applied to the foundation walls, providing a protective shield that keeps water out.
• Sump pumps: these are essential for preventing water accumulation in basements or crawlspaces. They are designed to detect and remove excess water automatically, effectively preventing flooding and water damage.
• Drainage systems: installing an efficient drainage system diverts water away from the foundation, preventing it from pooling around your property. Drainage systems help maintain a dry basement or crawlspace and protect against water damage.
• Vapor barriers: these are plastic or foil sheets installed on walls and floors to prevent moisture from seeping into the basement or crawlspace. They help maintain a dry environment, reducing the risk of mold growth and other water-related issues.

SERVPRO's waterproofing services

SERVPRO offers comprehensive waterproofing services to help homeowners protect their properties from water damage. With our expertise and advanced techniques, SERVPRO ensures that your basement or crawlspace remains dry and resistant to water intrusion. 

Our team of professionals begins by thoroughly assessing your property to identify potential vulnerabilities and areas prone to water seepage. We then employ high-quality waterproofing membranes, sump pumps, drainage systems, and vapor barriers to create a robust defense against water infiltration. SERVPRO guarantees effective and long-lasting waterproofing solutions using state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods. 

With SERVPRO's waterproofing services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is safeguarded against the damaging effects of water, providing a secure and dry environment for your home.

What about water damage restoration?

When water damage does occur, it is essential to take immediate action to minimize the extent of the damage and prevent further complications. Here are some critical steps to follow when dealing with water damage:

1. Ensure safety: before entering the affected area, assess potential hazards, such as electrical wires or structural damage. If necessary, turn off the power supply to the affected area.
2. Contact professionals: as mentioned, SERVPRO is a reputable company specializing in water damage restoration. We have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle the situation efficiently. Contact us as soon as possible to initiate the restoration process.
3. Document the damage: take photographs or videos of the affected areas before cleaning or restoration begins. This documentation can be helpful for insurance claims and future reference.
4. Remove standing water: if it is safe, you can start removing standing water using a wet/dry vacuum or buckets. However, if the water is contaminated or the area is extensive, it's best to leave this task to professionals.
5. Dry out the area: proper drying is crucial to prevent mold growth and further damage. SERVPRO technicians will use specialized equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the affected area, including walls, floors, and furniture.
6. Assess and remove damaged items: evaluate the extent of damage to belongings, furniture, and structural elements. Salvageable items should be moved to a dry area, while irreparably damaged items may need to be disposed of properly.
7. Address mold growth: if mold has already started growing, it must be addressed promptly. Mold remediation is a specialized process that involves safely removing and preventing the further development of mold spores.
8. Restore and repair: The repair process can begin once the area is thoroughly dried and cleaned. The repair process may involve repairing damaged structures, replacing flooring, repainting, and restoring the site to its pre-damaged condition.

SERVPRO professionals will work closely with you throughout the process, providing guidance and updates and helping with insurance claims if necessary. Remember, acting quickly and enlisting the help of professionals can significantly minimize the damage and ensure a smoother restoration process. 

Wrapping up

Waterproofing your basement or crawlspace is an investment that pays off in the long run. It protects your property from water damage, prevents structural issues, and preserves indoor air quality. By choosing SERVPRO for water damage restoration, you benefit from their expertise, quick response, and comprehensive services. 

Don't wait until it's too late—take proactive steps to safeguard your property today with SERVPRO and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected from the devastating effects of water damage. 

Contact us today for more information on protecting your property from water damage!

The Top 3 Likely Risks After Sprinkler System Water Damage

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are prepared and ready to help you combat water damage!

Understand the importance of timely water damage restoration.

Water damage is a nightmare for any business owner, as it can disrupt operations, cause extensive property damage, and lead to costly repairs. While sprinkler systems are designed to protect commercial properties from fire-related disasters, it's crucial to understand that they can also become a source of water damage themselves. 

This article will explore how sprinkler systems can cause water damage, highlighting the risks posed after commercial water damage occurs. Choosing a reliable restoration partner like SERVPRO® to handle your commercial restoration needs is the best way to ensure your property recovers swiftly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your business operations.

How can a sprinkler system cause water damage? 

Many commercial property owners may wonder whether sprinkler systems to prevent fire-related destruction can cause water damage. The answer is a resounding yes. Sprinkler systems, while essential for safeguarding against fires, can sometimes malfunction or be triggered by false alarms, leading to unintended sprinkler system water damage.

Sprinkler systems are sensitive and are designed to activate when they detect high temperatures or smoke. However, various factors can result in their accidental activation, including mechanical failures, human error, or environmental conditions. When triggered, sprinklers can release significant water, saturating the affected area and potentially causing severe water damage.

What are the common sprinkler system failure causes?

Common sprinkler system failures can occur for various reasons, from mechanical malfunctions to environmental factors. One frequent issue is a faulty sprinkler head, which can result in water leakage or failure to activate during a fire event. Another common failure is related to the control valves, where a malfunction can cause sprinklers to remain closed, preventing the release of water when needed. Additionally, pipe corrosion or damage can lead to bursts or leaks, resulting in unintended water discharge. 

Environmental factors such as freezing temperatures, excessive heat, or high humidity can also contribute to sprinkler system failures, causing pipes to crack, rupture, or trigger false alarms. Regular maintenance, inspections, and prompt repairs are essential to identify and address these common sprinkler system failures, ensuring the system functions optimally and minimizing the risk of water damage to the commercial property.

The risks posed by sprinkler system water damage

1. Structural damage: One of the most significant risks associated with sprinkler system water damage is structural damage. The excessive moisture introduced into a commercial property can weaken the structural integrity of the building. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to rotting wood, rusted metal, compromised foundations, and weakened walls. Timely detection and mitigation of water damage are crucial to prevent further structural deterioration.
2. Mold and mildew growth: Moisture from sprinkler system water damage creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These fungi can spread rapidly, posing risks to employees, clients, and anyone affected. Professional restoration services like SERVPRO employ advanced techniques to thoroughly dry affected areas, reducing the risk of mold growth and promoting a safe environment.
3. Electrical hazards: Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Sprinkler system water damage can lead to electrical hazards if the water comes into contact with electrical components, outlets, or wiring within the commercial property. This situation poses a risk to occupants and can result in costly electrical repairs and replacements. Seeking the expertise of a professional restoration company like SERVPRO ensures that electrical hazards are promptly addressed and mitigated.

Why choose SERVPRO for commercial restoration damages?

1. Rapid response time: When faced with water damage caused by a malfunctioning sprinkler system, time is of the essence. SERVPRO understands the situation's urgency and responds swiftly to minimize the damage and mitigate further issues. With their 24/7 availability, expert technicians can be on-site promptly, equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle any commercial restoration challenge.
2. Advanced equipment and techniques: SERVPRO employs state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading techniques to ensure effective restoration and mitigation. From high-powered water extraction machines to specialized drying equipment, their arsenal of tools allows for efficient and thorough repair of water-damaged commercial properties. Their technicians are trained to handle any scale of damage and swiftly restore the affected area to preloss condition.
3. Comprehensive services: SERVPRO offers a wide range of commercial restoration services, addressing all aspects of water damage and its consequences. Their expertise covers water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, odor removal, and more. By providing comprehensive solutions, SERVPRO ensures that all aspects of commercial restoration are handled with professionalism and efficiency.

Wrapping up 

Sprinkler system water damage can wreak havoc on commercial property, causing structural damage, mold growth, and electrical hazards. Choosing SERVPRO as a trusted commercial restoration partner ensures that the consequences of such damage are swiftly and effectively addressed. 

With their rapid response time, advanced equipment, and comprehensive services, SERVPRO stands out as the reliable choice for any commercial property owner facing the daunting challenges of water damage restoration. Don't let a malfunctioning sprinkler system leave your business submerged in water damage—rely on SERVPRO for a seamless and efficient restoration process.

The Power of Antimicrobial Unleashed: 4 Effective Tips

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals know how to properly apply antimicrobial solutions.

Antimicrobial solutions are essential in restoration to ensure a clean and healthy environment for your home or business.

Welcome back to the SERVPRO blog, where we delve into the world of restoration, offering essential tips to help you navigate the complexities of disaster restoration. Today's comprehensive guide will explore the significance of antimicrobial solutions, their applications, and why SERVPRO is the trusted choice for all your restoration needs!

With our unwavering commitment to excellence and cutting-edge techniques, SERVPRO stands at the forefront of the industry, delivering exceptional results that ensure the safety and longevity of your home or business. Read on to discover our four expert tips for maximizing the power of antimicrobial solutions!

What is an antimicrobial solution? 

Antimicrobial solutions refer to agents or substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful pathogens. Antimicrobial solutions play a crucial role in disaster restoration by neutralizing existing contaminants and preventing future infestations. These solutions are designed to eliminate potential risks and restore your property to a clean, safe, and healthy condition.

4 tips for using antimicrobial products 

Tip 1: know when to apply antimicrobial solutions 

Timing is critical when it comes to the application of antimicrobial solutions. SERVPRO applies antimicrobial solutions in various situations to address specific restoration needs. Our team of experts follows strict protocols to determine the appropriate application of antimicrobial solutions, ensuring optimal results for your property. Here are some instances when SERVPRO applies antimicrobial solutions:

• Water damage restoration: SERVPRO utilizes antimicrobial solutions to eliminate existing bacteria or mold growth caused by moisture intrusion after a water damage incident. This proactive approach mitigates potential health hazards and ensures a clean and healthy living or working environment.
• Fire damage restoration: In the aftermath of a fire, residues, and soot can pose significant health risks if not adequately addressed. SERVPRO uses antimicrobial solutions to neutralize and eliminate lingering contaminants, facilitating safe and healthy restoration.
• Mold remediation: Mold growth can quickly spread and cause extensive damage if left untreated. SERVPRO's antimicrobial solutions are specifically formulated to eradicate mold colonies and prevent further proliferation, restoring your property to a safe and mold-free state.

Tip 2: rely on professional expertise 

When it comes to antimicrobial application, relying on professional expertise is crucial. Opting for a do-it-yourself approach or choosing inexperienced providers can lead to subpar results, leaving behind hidden contaminants and potential health hazards. By selecting SERVPRO, you benefit from our unparalleled expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Our certified technicians possess in-depth knowledge of antimicrobial solutions and their applications. We conduct comprehensive assessments, identify the root causes of contamination, and implement tailored restoration plans. 

SERVPRO's proficiency in the industry enables us to address even the most complex restoration challenges, ensuring the highest quality standards and customer satisfaction.

Tip 3: ongoing monitoring and preventive measures 

At SERVPRO, we go beyond the initial restoration process to ensure your property remains free from harmful microorganisms. Our professionals implement continuous monitoring systems and proactive measures to minimize the risk of future infestations. 

By regularly assessing the condition of your property and employing preventive strategies, SERVPRO provides a long-lasting solution that safeguards your investment. Our commitment to ongoing monitoring and preventive measures sets us apart, ensuring that your property remains clean, safe, and protected for years.

Tip 4: partnering with Benefect for antimicrobial solutions 

SERVPRO has chosen to partner with Benefect for our antimicrobial solutions. Benefect is a trusted leader in the industry, renowned for its commitment to safety, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Their botanical-based antimicrobial products offer effective solutions while prioritizing the well-being of our customers and the planet. 

Benefect's unique formulation harnesses the power of nature, using plant-based ingredients with proven efficacy against a wide range of pathogens. This partnership allows us to provide cutting-edge antimicrobial solutions that deliver exceptional results, align with our dedication to sustainability, and ensure the health and safety of your property.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, the power of antimicrobial restoration cannot be underestimated when restoring your property. SERVPRO's unwavering commitment to excellence, expertise in applying antimicrobial solutions, and unmatched customer service make us the ideal choice for any disaster restoration damages you may face. With SERVPRO, you can trust that your property will be restored to its preloss condition, free from harmful pathogens, and equipped with long-term protection. Contact us today and experience the SERVPRO difference for yourself!

Thunderstorm Damage: 4 Effective Ways SERVPRO Can Help!

6/12/2023 (Permalink)

With SERVPRO in your corner, any thunderstorm damage will be restored quickly!

Let’s delve into the essential steps of assessing and repairing thunderstorm damage to your property. 

Thunderstorms can unleash powerful forces of nature, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Understanding how to assess the damage and take appropriate action can restore your property and regain peace of mind.

Remember: SERVPRO’s professional services can be a valuable resource in navigating the aftermath of a thunderstorm.

The impact of thunderstorm damage

Thunderstorms can cause significant property damage, ranging from roof leaks and structural issues to water damage and electrical hazards. Therefore, it’s essential to assess the extent of the damage promptly. Doing so can address immediate safety concerns and mitigate potential long-term issues. Some common forms of thunderstorm damage include:

Wind damage:

Powerful winds during thunderstorms can uproot trees, tear off roof shingles, and cause structural damage to buildings. Signs of wind damage may include fallen trees, loose or missing shingles, and structural instability. Therefore, prompt evaluation of wind damage is crucial to prevent further structural compromise.

Water damage:

Thunderstorms often bring heavy rainfall, leading to water infiltration into buildings. Water damage can result in mold growth, weakened structures, and damage to personal belongings. Therefore, identifying and addressing water intrusion areas is vital to preventing further deterioration.

Electrical damage:

Lightning strikes can cause electrical damage, leading to power surges, malfunctioning appliances, and even fires. A licensed professional should inspect electrical systems to ensure safety and identify potential hazards.

Assessing thunderstorm damage

After a thunderstorm, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your property to determine the extent of the damage. This assessment serves as the foundation for the repair and restoration process. Here are vital steps to consider:

Exterior Inspection:

Start by examining the exterior of your property. Look for signs of roof damage, broken windows, damaged siding, or fallen trees. Take photographs or videos to document the damage for insurance purposes.

Interior Evaluation:

Move inside and inspect each room thoroughly. Check for water stains, wet or damaged walls, ceiling leaks, and compromised electrical systems. Make a detailed inventory of the affected areas and items.

Filing an insurance claim

Once you have assessed the thunderstorm damage, initiating the insurance claim process is essential. Proper documentation and clear communication with your insurance provider are critical to a smooth claims experience. Follow these steps:

Document the damage:

Provide your insurance company with detailed documentation, including photographs, videos, and written descriptions of the damage. This evidence will support your claim and ensure accurate compensation.

Review your policy:

Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, deductibles, and specific requirements for filing a claim. This knowledge will help you navigate the process more effectively.

Contact your insurance provider:

Notify your insurance company of the damage and initiate the claims process. Maintain clear communication, promptly responding to requests for information or additional documentation.

Property damage restoration

Once you have completed the assessment and insurance claim process, it’s time to focus on property damage restoration. Depending on the severity of the damage, restoration may involve various aspects, such as:

Roof repair and replacement:

Address roof damage promptly to prevent further water infiltration and structural compromise. Engage professional roofing contractors to assess and repair or replace damaged sections.

Water extraction and drying:

If water damage is present, extracting water and thoroughly drying affected areas is crucial to prevent mold growth and further structural deterioration. Professional water damage restoration services can efficiently handle this process.

Structural repairs:

Engage licensed contractors to address structural issues resulting from thunderstorm damage. This may involve repairing weakened foundations, walls, or other compromised structural elements.

4 ways SERVPRO Can Help

When faced with thunderstorm damage and the complex assessment process, insurance claims, and property restoration, SERVPRO is here to provide expert assistance. As a trusted leader in the industry, SERVPRO offers a range of services to support you throughout the restoration journey:

1) Prompt emergency response:

SERVPRO understands the urgency of addressing storm damage promptly. Their highly trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance, mitigating further damage and ensuring the safety of your property.

2) Comprehensive damage assessment:

SERVPRO thoroughly assesses your property, identifying all areas affected by thunderstorm damage. Their expertise allows for a comprehensive evaluation, including hidden damages that may not be immediately apparent.

3) Insurance claim support:

Navigating the insurance claim process can be overwhelming. However, SERVPRO has extensive experience working with insurance companies, and their team can provide valuable support and documentation to facilitate a smooth and successful claims experience.

4) Professional restoration services:

From water extraction and drying to structural repairs and mold remediation, SERVPRO offers a wide range of professional restoration services. Their certified technicians utilize advanced equipment and techniques to restore your property efficiently and effectively.

Let SERVPRO help you recover from thunderstorm damage!

After a thunderstorm strikes, assessing and repairing the damage can be overwhelming. However, with a systematic approach, proper documentation, and professional SERVPRO assistance, you can confidently navigate the challenges.

Remember to assess the damage promptly, file an insurance claim, and engage reputable restoration professionals to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Then, with SERVPRO by your side, you can embark on the journey to recovery with peace of mind.

4 Powerful Firework Safety Tips to Prevent Property Damage

5/29/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available when firework fire damage occurs.

Institute these firework safety tips and prevent unwanted damage! 

Fireworks are a staple of celebrations in the United States. From Memorial Day to the Fourth of July, fireworks light up the night sky and bring joy to millions of people. However, fireworks also pose a significant threat of property damage or injury when improperly handled. 

With fireworks season descending upon us, we must take the necessary precautions to ensure firework safety and prevent fire damage. This blog post will discuss four firework safety tips to keep your property safe and how SERVPRO can help if fire damage occurs.

Common property damages caused by fireworks

Fireworks can cause a wide range of property damage if not handled properly. Some typical damage caused by fireworks includes structural fires, burns, and property destruction. For example, fireworks can ignite flammable materials such as dry grass, wood, and paper, causing fires that can quickly spread to nearby structures. Additionally, the heat and sparks from fireworks can cause burns or melt siding, shingles, and other materials on homes and buildings. In some cases, fireworks can even shatter windows, damage roofs, and cause further structural damage. Therefore, taking the necessary precautions to prevent these types of property damage and ensure firework safety is essential.

4 firework safety tips from SERVPRO

Now that you know the damage that fireworks can cause, let’s discuss the steps that prevent them from happening. The professionals at SERVPRO have compiled a list of four firework safety tips to help keep you and your property safe.

Tip 1: Know the laws and regulations

Before lighting fireworks, you must know your area’s laws and regulations. Each state and local jurisdiction has rules regarding the use of fireworks, including when and where they are allowed. Ignoring these laws can result in fines, injuries, and property damage.

In addition to knowing the laws, purchasing fireworks from reputable sources is essential. Avoid buying fireworks from street vendors or unlicensed dealers, as these products are often of lower quality and can be dangerous.

Tip 2: Prepare for fireworks safety

Preparation is vital for preventing property damage and injuries from fireworks. Before lighting fireworks, prepare the area where they will be set off. Clear any debris or flammable materials from the site and ensure a clear path for people to move away from the fireworks.

It is also essential to have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of an accident. In the event of a fire, having a way to extinguish the flames quickly can prevent significant damage.

Tip 3: Follow firework safety guidelines

When lighting fireworks, it is crucial to follow all safety guidelines:

• Only light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person, animal, or property.
• Keep a safe distance from fireworks and never lean over them.
• Wear eye protection and avoid wearing loose clothing.
• Never try to relight a “dud” firework.

Following these guidelines can reduce the risk of firework-related property damage and injuries.

Tip 4: Take extra precautions

If you live in dry or windy areas, take extra precautions when using fireworks. These conditions can increase the fire risk and make spreading flames easier. In these situations, it is best to avoid using fireworks altogether.

Additionally, if you have pets, take precautions to keep them safe. The loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can be frightening for animals, causing them to run away or injure themselves. Keep pets indoors during firework displays and provide a safe, quiet space.

How SERVPRO can help when fire damage occurs

Accidents and property damage can occur even with the best firework safety precautions. However, if your property does experience fire damage from fireworks, SERVPRO can help. Our team of professionals has the experience, equipment, and expertise to restore your property quickly and efficiently.

At SERVPRO, we understand that every fire damage situation is unique, and we work with you to develop a customized plan to meet your needs. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide fast, reliable service. We also work closely with insurance companies to make the claims process as smooth as possible. Contact us today for emergency fire damage services or any questions about fire damage restoration.

Foundation Leaks: 3 Powerful Tips to Protect Your Property

5/7/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are one call away from repairing and restoring your foundation leak!

Be on the lookout for foundation leaks—they can cause significant water and property damage to your home. 

As a trusted water damage restoration and remediation service provider, SERVPRO understands the importance of protecting your property from foundation leaks and water damage. Our experienced water damage professionals have the knowledge and expertise to help you prevent foundation leaks and mitigate any damage if one does occur.

This blog post outlines three helpful tips so that you can protect your property and avoid costly repairs. If you experience foundation leaks or other water damage, SERVPRO is here to help. Our team is available 24/7 to provide fast and reliable water damage restoration services so you can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

What are foundation leaks?

Foundation leaks occur when water seeps through cracks and other openings in a property's foundation. The foundation of a building is the structural base upon which the entire structure rests, so any damage to the foundation can be a severe problem. 

Foundation leaks can occur for various reasons, including poor construction, soil settlement, and changes in temperature or moisture levels. When left untreated, foundation leaks can cause significant property damage like mold growth, weakened foundation walls, and structural damage. Therefore, it is essential to address foundation leaks as soon as they are detected to prevent further damage to your property.

3 prevention tips from SERVPRO experts 

Protecting your property from foundation leaks and water damage is essential to maintaining the structural integrity of your building and preventing costly repairs. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your property from the damaging effects of water and ensure that your facility remains safe and secure for years to come. Here are three of our favorite foundation leak-prevention tips:

Tip 1: Maintain Proper Drainage

Poor drainage in the adjacent yard is one of the leading causes of foundation leaks. When water is not correctly directed away from the structure, it can seep into your foundation, causing water damage. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure proper drainage around your property. 

Start by inspecting the soil around your foundation. If it's sloping towards your property, water will collect and seep into your foundation. To fix this, regrade the soil to slope away from your property. Also, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and direct water at least three feet away from your foundation. Finally, if you notice standing water around your foundation, use a sump pump to remove it and prevent further damage.

Tip 2: Check Your Plumbing Regularly

Leaking pipes can cause water to collect and seep into your foundation, causing extensive property damage. Therefore, checking your plumbing for leaks or other issues is essential to prevent foundation leaks.

First, keep an eye on your water bill. If you notice a sudden increase in usage, it could indicate a hidden leak. Also, inspect your pipes and fixtures for signs of water damage or leaking, such as mold or dampness. If you suspect a plumbing issue, contact a licensed plumber to diagnose and repair the problem before it causes further damage.

Tip 3: Use Professional Waterproofing

Professional waterproofing is an effective way to prevent foundation leaks and protect your property from water damage. Waterproofing involves applying a sealant to your foundation walls, which prevents water from seeping in and causing damage.

Professional waterproofing is a complex process that a licensed contractor must perform. The contractor will inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage, then apply the sealant to protect your foundation from future water damage. This process can help prevent costly repairs and protect your property from foundation leaks for years.

Let SERVPRO combat your foundation leak.

Foundation leaks can be a severe problem for property owners, leading to costly repairs and extensive property damage if left untreated. However, by taking proactive measures and following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can help prevent foundation leaks from occurring in the first place. 

If you experience a foundation leak or other water damage, SERVPRO is here to help. Our experienced professionals are available 24/7 to provide fast and reliable water damage restoration services so you can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We use advanced equipment and techniques to mitigate the damage and restore your property to its pre-damage condition. 

Don't let a foundation leak or water damage threaten the safety and integrity of your property. Contact SERVPRO today and let us combat your foundation leak.

Window Leak Damage: 6 Signs of Potential Trouble

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are on-call ready to help combat damages caused by a window leak!

Don’t let window leak damage lead to mold growth!

Window leaks can be the source of significant water damage in any home. If not addressed quickly, they can cause severe and costly problems down the line. Knowing what causes window leaks and signs indicating potential damage is essential to protect your home from water-related issues.

This article will discuss the causes of window leak damage, provide insight into recognizing potential signs of trouble, and explain how professional water damage restoration services can help mitigate further destruction or repair existing harm.

Why does my window leak?

Window leaks are often caused by aging and wear and tear over time. As homes age, the windows are exposed to various weather conditions, such as harsh winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperature changes, leading to the deterioration of seals and caulking. These conditions can form gaps and cracks, allowing water to seep through and enter the home.

Moreover, poor installation is another leading cause of window leaks. If windows are not installed correctly, gaps or uneven spaces between the window frame and the wall may create pathways for water to infiltrate.

Additionally, condensation can also be a factor in window leaks. When warm and moist air comes in contact with a cold window, it can cause condensation, which may accumulate and result in water damage over time.

What damage can a leaking window cause?

A leaking window can cause a variety of damage to your home. The most immediately visible sign of window leak damage is discoloration or water stains on your walls or ceiling. However, the damage goes far beyond just the visible marks.

If left unaddressed, window leaks can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

Window leaks can also damage your insulation and framing. Water seeping through compromised seals and caulking can saturate insulation, reducing its effectiveness and causing it to sag or deteriorate. Additionally, water damage can weaken and rot wood framing, creating structural issues that require professional repair.

Furthermore, if water can infiltrate your home through a window leak, it can even access your electrical system, resulting in shorts or outages and creating a dangerous fire risk.

Signs of potential trouble

Identifying window leaks as soon as possible is vital to prevent further damage. Here are some signs that may indicate potential trouble:

1. Visible water damage: Noticeable water stains or discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors near your windows may indicate the presence of a leak.
2. Dripping water: If you see water dripping around your windows, it is a clear sign that water penetrates the seals or caulking and infiltrates your home.
3. Condensation: If you observe persistent condensation on your windows, it may indicate a problem with the insulation or sealing, allowing outside moisture to enter the home.
4. Mold or mildew growth: If you see mold or mildew development around your windows or in other parts of your home, this might suggest that water is getting inside and creating the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.
5. Difficulty opening or closing windows: If your windows are becoming increasingly difficult to open or close or are not sealing correctly, it could be a sign of a potential leak.
6. Drafts or air leaks: If you feel cold or hot drafts coming from around your windows or notice a noticeable increase in your heating or cooling bills, this could indicate a gap or crack, allowing air (and water) to penetrate the home.

Water damage restoration

Water damage restoration is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. If your home has suffered from water damage due to a leaking window, it is essential to engage the services of a professional restoration company as soon as possible.

The first step in the restoration process is to assess the extent of the damage. This assessment involves thoroughly examining the affected areas, including the walls, floors, ceilings, and any other sites that may have been exposed to water. Next, the restoration team will use advanced equipment, such as moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, to determine the extent of the water damage and develop a plan of action.

Once the restoration team has assessed the damage, the next step is cleaning and drying. It involves removing standing water and extracting moisture from the affected areas using specialized equipment such as industrial dehumidifiers and air movers. The restoration team will also remove any damaged materials that are not salvageable, such as drywall, insulation, and flooring.

After the affected areas have been thoroughly dried, the restoration team will clean and disinfect the area to prevent mold and bacteria growth. This step involves using specialized cleaning agents designed to remove contaminants and sanitize the area.

Finally, the restoration team will begin the reconstruction process, which may involve repairing or replacing damaged materials such as drywall, insulation, and flooring. The aim is to restore your home to its pre-water damage condition and ensure the affected areas are safe and habitable.

Tips for Preventing Future Window Leak Issues

1. Regular Inspection: It is essential to inspect your windows regularly for any signs of weathering or damage. This review should include checking the seals, caulking, and framing around the window for any cracks, gaps, or deterioration. An annual inspection can help catch any potential issues before they become significant problems.
2. Proper Installation: A properly installed window can prevent leaks from occurring in the first place. Ensure that your windows are installed by a professional experienced in window installation. Improper installation can lead to gaps and cracks in the sealing, allowing water to penetrate your home.
3. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean: The gutters and downspouts around your home help to direct water away from your home’s foundation. Keeping these clean and debris-free prevents water from backing up and overflowing around your windows.
4. Maintain Proper Drainage: Proper drainage around your home is essential to preventing water damage. Ensure your yard slopes away from your home to ensure proper drainage. Additionally, consider installing a French drain or other drainage systems if you live in an area with heavy rainfall or poor soil drainage.
5. Install Window Well Covers: If you have below-grade windows, consider installing window covers to prevent water from entering the wells and potentially causing leaks into your home. These covers can also help to keep debris and leaves out of the wells.
6. Repair Leaks Promptly: If you notice a leak around your window, address it promptly. Ignoring a leak can lead to further damage to your home and potential health hazards from mold growth. Instead, contact a professional to have the problem assessed and repaired as soon as possible.

Let SERVPRO help you recover from water damage!

Window leaks can cause a great deal of water damage in your home, so it’s crucial to identify and address any issues as soon as possible. Our tips for preventing future window leak damage include regular inspection, proper installation, keeping gutters and downspouts clean, maintaining adequate drainage around the house, installing window well covers, and repairing leaks promptly.

If you have experienced water damage due to a window leak or other issue, SERVPRO is here to help! We offer professional restoration services that will help get your home back into shape quickly and safely. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Commercial Carpet Drying: 4 Key Benefits of Expert Help

4/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will dry out your carpets efficiently and effectively so you can get back to business!

Getting your commercial carpet dry after a flood can help prevent further damage.

Flooding can devastate businesses, causing significant damage to property and products. But even after the waters recede, there is still a lot of work to be done to restore your business or warehouse to its pre-flood condition.

One of the most critical steps in this process is commercial carpet drying. Professional carpet drying services are essential for removing any remaining moisture from carpets and preventing further damage from mold or mildew growth.

In this article, we will discuss why it is so important to have your carpets dried professionally after a flood, as well as provide tips on restoring your carpets to their pre-flood condition.

Flooding on commercial property

Water damage in businesses can be a costly and traumatic event for owners. The aftermath of a flood can leave a warehouse or commercial property in ruins, with waterlogged inventory and property damage that can quickly add up to significant financial losses.

One of the essential steps in the restoration process is to act quickly to prevent further damage. Removing standing water and cleaning up and drying out the affected areas soon after the incident prevent further damage. This is especially true when it comes to commercial carpet drying.

Professional carpet drying services should be considered a top priority for warehouses that have experienced water damage. Failure to properly dry and treat commercial carpet can lead to mold growth, which can cause additional property damage.

It's also important to recognize that water damage can have long-lasting effects on property and inventory. Even after immediate clean-up efforts have been made, moisture can continue to seep into materials and structures, causing further damage over time. Working with a professional restoration team with experience in handling water damage for commercial properties can minimize the risk of long-term damage.

Have your commercial carpet dried professionally after a flood.

When restoring your commercial property after a flood, professional carpet drying services are essential to prevent further damage and ensure that your commercial carpet is fully restored to its pre-flood condition. Here are just a few of the benefits of working with a professional team for commercial carpet drying:

1. Prevent the growth of mold and mildew: One of the most significant risks after a flood is the growth of mold and mildew. These unsightly and potentially dangerous substances thrive in moist and humid areas and can quickly spread through your property if not addressed properly. Professional carpet drying services can help remove any remaining moisture from your carpets, making it much less likely that mold or mildew will take hold.
2. Protect your property and inventory: Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. Every moment that your commercial carpet remains wet is another moment that your property and inventory are at risk. By working with a professional team for commercial carpet drying, you can act quickly to minimize the risk of long-term damage and ensure that your property is protected.
3. Save time and money: While it may be tempting to try and handle the aftermath of a flood on your own, the truth is that DIY solutions often cost you more money and time in the long run. Professional restoration teams have the tools, experience, and knowledge to return your property to its pre-flood condition quickly and efficiently.
4. Improved Indoor air quality: In addition to being unsightly and potentially dangerous, mold and mildew can negatively impact indoor air quality. By removing moisture and thoroughly drying your carpets, professional carpet drying services can help improve the air quality and overall health of your commercial property.

What can happen with wet commercial carpet?

When it comes to water damage, procrastination can cost you dearly. When your commercial property experiences flooding, every minute counts. Unfortunately, some warehouse owners may need to pay more attention to the severity of the issue, failing to act quickly or neglecting to take adequate precautions.

The consequences of not taking care of water damage can be dire. Water damage can lead to warped floors, corroded pipes, and rotting ceilings. It can also wreak havoc on your commercial carpet, causing it to become waterlogged and leading to the growth of mold and mildew. If left unaddressed, mold can spread rapidly throughout your property, leading to potential structural damage.

Another significant consequence of not promptly caring for water damage is the financial burden. The cost of repairs can quickly add up, and if you cannot take adequate measures to prevent further damage, you may face astronomical expenses. Additionally, you may face fines or legal repercussions if your property is not up to code or meets health and safety requirements.

Water damage restoration with SERVPRO

Investing in professional carpet drying services can help mitigate the risks and minimize the long-term effects of water damage. This measure can help to protect your property, inventory, and overall financial well-being. Don't let water damage derail your business - take action today to optimize your commercial property's resilience and prevent further damage.

Commercial carpet drying is an essential step in the water damage restoration process. With SERVPRO's experienced technicians, you can trust that we will dry out your carpets efficiently and effectively so you can get back to business as usual with minimal disruption. So don't wait—contact us today for more information on how we can help restore your commercial carpets after a flood!

Truck Mount Extractors or Portable? 1 Powerful Option

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

We use truck mount extractors for major commercial and residential water damage projects!

Truck mount extractors and portable extractors are essential equipment in the SERVPRO of East and South Dayton arsenal. 

Regarding water damage during carpet and upholstery cleaning, water damage restoration professionals commonly use two main types of extractors: truck mount extractors and portable water extractors. Both have advantages and disadvantages—the choice depends on the specific project requirements and budget.

Due to the sheer available power, we prefer utilizing our truck mount extractors at every chance. SERVPRO’s truck mount extractors are potent and effective in quickly and efficiently removing water, dirt, debris, and contaminants from carpets and other upholstery. It uses high suction power and adjustable temperature settings to deliver five excellent functions. 

In the following blog post, we will review the key differences between truck mount extractors and portable water extractors and why we always choose truck mount extractors for commercial and residential projects. 

The critical differences between truck mount extractors and portable extractors

Truck mount extractors are powerful machines that require a truck or van to transport and operate them. They connect to the vehicle's engine, which powers the high-pressure pump and vacuum system. The main advantage of truck mount extractors is their high suction power, which allows them to remove more water, dirt, and debris from carpets and upholstery compared to portable water extractors. They also have adjustable temperature settings, which can help to loosen embedded dirt and stains and sanitize the surface more effectively.

On the other hand, portable water extractors are smaller and more maneuverable machines that can be carried around by hand. They are powered by electricity or gas and have their own pumps and vacuum systems. As a result, portable water extractors are ideal for smaller or hard-to-reach areas, such as stairs or tight spaces. They also require less maintenance and are generally less expensive than truck mount extractors.

However, portable water extractors have lower suction power and may need help to remove large volumes of water or deeply embedded dirt and stains. They also need to be refilled and emptied more frequently, which can make the cleaning process slower and less efficient.

We love our truck mount extractors.

We prefer utilizing our truck mount extractors for projects whenever possible. Here are the five essential functions our truck mount extractors provide: 

1. The first function is water extraction. The truck mount extractor uses high suction power to quickly remove excess water from carpets, upholstery, hardwood floors, and other surfaces. A truck mount extractor can help prevent mold growth by eliminating the source of moisture quickly and efficiently.
2. The second function is deep cleaning. The machine uses high temperatures and potent suction to remove dirt, debris, and allergens from carpets and upholstery. This deep clean helps restore carpets and upholstery to their original condition.
3. The third function is deodorizing. The truck mount extractor has an integrated deodorizing system to help eliminate carpets and upholstery odors. 
4. The fourth function is sanitizing. The machine uses high temperature and powerful suction to help kill bacteria and other germs lurking in carpets or upholstery.
5. The fifth and final function is drying. The truck mount extractor has an advanced drying system that helps to expedite the drying process, preventing further damage and helping carpets or upholstery return to their original condition. 

How SERVPRO utilizes both pieces of equipment 

The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton utilize both truck mount extractors and portable water extractors to provide the best possible cleaning services. Depending on the project, they will choose the machine most suitable for each job, ensuring that carpets and upholstery are thoroughly and effectively cleaned with minimal downtime. They also have various specialty tools to help tackle tough stains or hard-to-reach spots. 

SERVPRO of East and South Dayton understands the importance of using powerful and efficient equipment to do the job correctly. With our knowledgeable technicians backed by state-of-the-art machinery, we can always provide unsurpassed results. With SERVPRO, you can rest assured that your carpets and upholstery are in the best hands. 

Wrapping up

A truck mount extractor is an effective and powerful tool professionals use to clean carpets and upholstery. It offers five essential functions, including water extraction, deep cleaning, deodorizing, sanitizing, and drying, that can help restore carpets and upholstery to their original condition. SERVPRO of East and South Dayton utilizes both truck mount extractors and portable water extractors to provide the best possible cleaning and restoration services for commercial and residential projects. We can consistently deliver unsurpassed results with our knowledge, experience, and state-of-the-art equipment. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can help you when you need emergency water extraction. We look forward to hearing from you!

Exterior Storm Damage: 5 Simple Tips To Protect Your Home

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help you combat storm damage!

Exterior storm damage can include anything from broken windows and doors to damaged siding, roofing, and gutters.

Anyone that has lived in the Dayton metropolitan area for more than a month knows that our weather is anything but predictable. In the past five years, we have seen numerous storms that have caused significant damage to homes throughout the area, from tornadoes to severe thunderstorms. 

For many residents, the professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton have been the go-to source for repairs and restoration.

SERVPRO knows that storms can be a scary experience, so we want to provide tips on protecting your home from exterior storm damage. However, before we begin: you and your family must have a plan for when a storm strikes. Include storm damage insurance, emergency shelter access, and the necessary personnel contact numbers when severe damage occurs. Now, let’s review how to protect your home from exterior storm damage!

What is exterior storm damage?

Exterior storm damage is the significant destruction to properties caused by incredibly destructive weather that requires repairs. Storms can cause severe damage to many parts of the home, including windows and doors, siding, roofing, and gutters.

SERVPRO’s tips for protecting your home from exterior storm damage

The following tips are essential to keep in mind when protecting your home from exterior storm damage:

1. Ensure all of your windows are correctly sealed: sealing the windows in your home will help to keep out excess moisture and strong winds that can cause significant damage to your windows and doors during a storm.
2. Install storm shutters: storm shutters are an effective and affordable way to protect your home from exterior storm damage. They provide additional protection for windows and doors during a windstorm or tornado, as they can prevent them from breaking completely.
3. Inspect your roof: regularly inspecting your roof will help you identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before a storm strikes. Ensure your roof is secure and free of any damage caused by strong winds or other exterior storm damage.
4. Clean gutters: cleaning your gutters regularly will help ensure that they are free from debris, which can cause water buildup and saturation during storms, resulting in exterior damage.
5. Check your siding: self-inspection of the siding on your home for any signs of damage that may need to be addressed before a storm hits helps ensure water doesn’t have an entry point. 

In closing, exterior storm damage can devastate homes in the Dayton area. However, by following these tips and having a plan, you can ensure that your home is adequately prepared and protected from potential exterior storm damage.

How can SERVPRO help combat exterior storm damage?

Even the most prepared property owner can still experience exterior storm damage when the weather turns. If this happens to you, SERVPRO of East and South Dayton has experienced professionals who are ready to respond quickly to any storm or weather-related damages that may have occurred. Quick action helps prevent water intrusion and mold growth from flooding.

Our storm damage team will inspect your home for potential issues and provide detailed information about the best course of action. We understand that time is essential when repairing exterior storm damage, so our team will work diligently and efficiently to restore your home.

Whether dealing with broken windows or siding damage, you can trust that SERVPRO of East and South Dayton will be there for you every step. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to restore your home’s exterior to its pre-storm condition.

Contact us today for more information about how SERVPRO of East and South Dayton can help with exterior storm damage.

Extension Cord Fire: 5 Tips for Optimal Safety

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are known for their fast services when it comes to fire cleanup.

An extension cord fire can strike at a moment's notice. 

Extension cord fires can be a severe hazard, potentially leading to extensive property damage. The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton know that it is essential that people take the necessary precautions when using extension cords to avoid an extension cord fire. 

This article will examine five tips for optimal safety when avoiding extension cord fires. We'll discuss topics such as choosing the right extension cords for the job, checking for frayed wires or damaged insulation on extension cords before using them, using extension cords with built-in overload protection, and more. By following these tips and examples provided throughout this article, you can help prevent extension cord fires from occurring in your home or workplace.

Who is susceptible to an extension cord fire?

When it comes to extension cord fires, anyone who uses extension cords is at risk. Whether you're a homeowner looking to power some extra lights for holiday decorations or a construction worker needing to power multiple tools on-site, extension cord fires can happen in any situation. It's essential to know extension cord fire safety and to remember that extension cords are not intended for permanent use—only use them temporarily and unplug them from the outlet when not in use.

SERVPRO's tips to avoid an extension cord fire

Not a single extension cord fire is 100% preventable, but people can take a few steps to lower their risks of extension cord fires. Here are five tips from SERVPRO of East and South Dayton to help you avoid extension cord fires: 

1. Select the proper extension cords for the job: Make sure you use an extension cord designed for the job you are trying to accomplish. Some extension cords are rated for outdoor use, while others are only suitable for indoor use. Additionally, extension cords come in different wattage ratings – make sure the extension cord you select can handle the wattage of whatever device or appliance it will be powering. 
2. Check extension cords before use: Always check them for frayed wires or damaged insulation. An extension cord should not be used and requires replacement if it has any visible signs of damage. 
3. Use extension cords with built-in overload protection: Extension cords equipped with built-in overload protection are designed to prevent extension cord fires from occurring. These extension cords are more expensive than traditional ones, but they can be well worth the investment for safety and peace of mind. 
4. Avoid overloading extension cords: It's important to never overload an extension cord by plugging in too many devices or appliances at once. Overloading could cause the extension cord to overheat, potentially resulting in a fire. If you need to power multiple devices, use two extension cords or a power strip for added safety. 
5. Unplug extension cords when not in use: Extension cords must be unplugged from outlets when they are not in use. Not only will this help prevent extension cord fires, but it can also help save energy and money in the long run. 

What to do after an extension cord fire outbreak?

As mentioned, extension cord fires can be severe and cause extensive property damage if left unchecked. Therefore, when you experience an extension cord fire in your home or workplace, turn off the power to the circuit affected by the fire, leave the area immediately, and call 911. 

After the fire is put out, the extension cord fire damage should always be handled by a professional fire restoration company with the capability and experience to restore your property correctly. Things to consider when choosing the right fire restoration company:

• Ensure that the fire restoration company is certified, insured, and bonded.
• Ensure that they are available 24/7.
• Look at references from their recent customers.
• Ensure they can adequately perform insurance estimates.

SERVPRO's extension cord fire restoration services

The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton are available 24/7 to help you with any extension cord fire restoration needs. We have the expertise to handle all types of electrical fires and smoke and soot damage caused by fire. Our team will work quickly to assess the damage and take any necessary steps to restore your property to its pre-fire condition. 

We understand how devastating a fire can be and are here to help you throughout the process. Contact us today if you have experienced an extension cord fire in your home or workplace.

Shopping Mall Water Damage: 5 Practical Prevention Tips

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are ready to help you combat your commercial water damage loss!

The professionals at SERVPRO are always available to help combat shopping mall water damage.

Dayton shopping malls are popular destinations for shopping and entertainment, but they can also be subject to water damage from floods, leaks, and other sources of moisture infiltration. Water damage can cause costly repairs that shopping mall owners must pay for if they want to maintain the integrity of their buildings.

Fortunately, there are steps shopping mall owners can take to reduce the risk of water damage in their buildings. This article will explore five excellent prevention tips that shopping mall owners should consider when avoiding shopping mall water damage. We will also discuss how SERVPRO of East and South Dayton is available to help with any repair or restoration needs you may have.

What are the leading causes of shopping mall water damage?

Faulty plumbing is one of the most common causes of shopping mall water damage. Faulty plumbing can result in leaks, water infiltration, and other problems that can cause significant damage to any shopping mall. For example, heavy rains or storms can cause flooding, leading to wet floors, ceilings, and mold growth. In addition to this, shopping mall owners should be on the lookout for overflowing gutters and downspouts, blocked drains, and other sources of water infiltration, which can wreak havoc within shopping malls.

SERVPRO's 5 water damage prevention tips for shopping malls

Now that you are aware of the common causes of shopping mall water damage, let's explore five practical prevention tips mall owners should consider when it comes to avoiding shopping mall water damage:

1. Regularly inspect plumbing systems and ensure all pipes are undamaged and functioning correctly.
2. Ensure gutters and downspouts are in good condition and regularly clean them of debris.
3. Check for blocked drains and fix any issues that could prevent proper drainage.
4. Ensure the roof is in good condition and repair or replace it if necessary to avoid water infiltration from heavy rains or storms.
5. Install a sump pump in case of flooding to prevent or reduce the impact of shopping mall water damage.

These are just a few tips shopping mall owners should consider when preventing shopping mall water damage. These steps can help shopping mall owners reduce the risk of water damage and save themselves unnecessary repairs and expenses.

Steps to take when shopping mall water damage occurs

If shopping mall water damage occurs, you need to have a plan of attack to ensure that the shopping mall is a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for guests. 

The first step should always be to stop the source of water infiltration. You can often address the water source by turning off the main water valve if the cause is a plumbing issue.

After taking care of the water source, the next step is to assess and document the shopping mall water damage. Documentation should include taking pictures or videos of any water-damaged areas for insurance purposes. 

After evaluating and documenting the shopping mall water damage, mall owners should contact a professional water restoration company to help remove standing water and restore their shopping mall to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of East and South Dayton can help

The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton are available to help mall owners with any water damage repair or restoration needs. The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton are trained in assessing shopping mall water damage, extraction, dry-out, mitigation, repair, and remodeling.

The team at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton can provide an accurate estimate of shopping mall water damage, offer advice on what steps need to be taken to restore the shopping mall to its preloss condition and work with shopping mall owners throughout the entire repair process.

From assessing shopping mall water damage, extraction of standing water, drying out wet areas, and repairs or replacements needed, shopping mall owners can trust the professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton to provide the best water damage repair services available. Contact us today to learn more about our water damage repair and restoration services.

Why Our Experts Use Shoe Covers: 5 Practical Benefits

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO always go the extra mile to ensure your property is kept in the best condition.

SERVPRO professionals always put on shoe covers before entering a property. 

Protecting a property from further damage is essential during the disaster restoration process. Because SERVPRO professionals know this, we use shoe covers so that our footsteps don't drag in debris from outside and add to the work required. Wearing shoe covers while onsite helps protect carpets, flooring, and air quality from dirt, dust, and other contaminants from outside the building. 

This article will discuss the five essential benefits of shoe covers. By reading through, you will understand why our SERVPRO professionals always wear shoe covers when restoring a property to its preloss condition.

What are shoe covers?

Shoe covers, also known as "booties," are a type of shoe or boot cover designed to protect carpets and flooring from dirt, dust, and other contaminants from outside. Shoe covers are commonly made from lightweight materials such as latex, nylon, or polypropylene that can provide a barrier between the shoe and the surface while still allowing free movement.

There are many different brands of shoe covers available, but the most popular ones are disposable shoe covers that offer protection while remaining lightweight and breathable. In addition, disposable shoe covers are ideal for restoration professionals because they can be removed and disposed of after each use, saving time and money from persistent cleaning. 

Five essential benefits of wearing shoe covers

Now that you understand what shoe covers are, let's discuss the five essential benefits of wearing shoe covers. The five benefits of shoe covers include the following:

1. Protects carpeting and flooring 
2. Improves air quality
3. Shows professionalism 
4. Reduces slip and fall accidents
5. Faster clean-up

Protects Carpeting and Flooring 

As the first line of defense, shoe covers can prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from being tracked into a property. Shoe covers help protect carpets and floors from further damage during the restoration process. 

Improve Air Quality 

Shoe covers provide a barrier to keep dirt and dust out of the property and help contain harmful particles before they are dispersed into the air. In addition, with shoe covers, the indoor air quality of the property won't be affected, which is especially important when water or mold damage is present. 

Shows Professionalism 

Wearing shoe covers costs little money, but it shows the property owner that the restoration professional is committed to their job and cares about protecting the possessions onsite. In addition, this step gives the property owner peace of mind knowing they have hired someone who cares and is taking all necessary precautions. 

Reduce Slips and Falls 

It's essential to keep shoe covers on at all times while on a property to prevent slips and falls. In addition, the shoe covers provide an extra layer of traction on slick floors, helping the restoration professional stay safe while working. 

Faster Clean-Up 

Shoe covers can make clean-up after a job much faster and easier. Shoe covers act as a barrier between the shoe and the surface being worked on, preventing dirt, dust, and other contaminants from being tracked around the property or into other areas of the building. 

The most reliable shoe covers

As we mentioned earlier, there are many shoe covers available for purchase. However, the most reliable shoe covers are made from lightweight materials such as latex, nylon, or polypropylene. 

The best brand of shoe covers we found to be the most reliable are from blue shoe guys. These shoe covers provide a barrier between the shoe and the surface while providing freedom of movement. They also offer protection while remaining lightweight and breathable, essential when working long, demanding jobs. 

Wrapping up

Today we went over why shoe covers are essential for restoration professionals and why you will always see SERVPRO professionals wearing them. Arguably the main reason they are worn is to help protect carpets and flooring from dirt, dust, and other contaminants brought in from outside. They also provide a barrier to protect the air quality inside the building, containing harmful particles before they can be dispersed into the air. With all the benefits mentioned, it's easy to see why shoe covers are must-have items for any restoration professional. 

When hiring a restoration company, choose one that uses shoe covers on every job. By choosing SERVPRO of East and South Dayton, you can be sure that the property is being protected and that quality remains a priority for everyone in the home. 

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding shoe covers or if you require emergency restoration services. We are here to help you every step of the way!

Hospital Water Damage: 4 Costly Outcomes No One Talks About

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help combat hospital water damage!

Water damage is a severe problem for hospital facilities because it can have devastating consequences for hospital staff, patients, and equipment.

From the loss of medical equipment and essential documents to mold growth and structural risks, hospital water damage can have a lasting impact on hospital operations.

We have put together the following blog post to discuss the four most impactful consequences of hospital water damage and provide information about how healthcare facilities can reduce the risk of hospital water damage. 

SERVPRO of East and South Dayton is here to help hospital facilities mitigate the effects of hospital water damage in the community we serve. We are dedicated to providing hospital facilities with the best water damage restoration services.

What is hospital water damage?

Hospital water damage is an accumulation of damages caused by excess moisture, including flooding, leaking, and other forms of water intrusion. Water damage can come from internal sources like plumbing failures, broken pipes, and leaks in walls and ceilings; or external sources such as natural disasters like intense storms.

Water damage in hospital facilities can be extremely costly due to the hospital’s need for functioning medical equipment and its responsibility to protect patient health and safety.

The 4 costly consequences of hospital water damage

Now that you are aware of what hospital water damage is and its potential costs let’s discuss the consequences of hospital water damage:

1) Expensive Repairs: Water damage requires costly repairs, as hospital staff must replace or repair items damaged by moisture and mold. The cost of these repairs often exceeds hospital budgets and can cause long-term strain on hospital finances.

2) Damage to medical equipment & documents: Hospital water damage often results in the loss or irreparable damage of valuable medical records, equipment, and devices. The loss of hospital documents can be especially damaging to operations, as they provide essential information about patient care and hospital finances.

3) Mold Growth: Mold growth is a typical result of hospital water damage that is not quickly handled. Mold is the last thing any hospital facility wants because addressing it often requires further downtime and increased recovery costs. 

4) Reduction in hospital productivity: The time, effort, and resources spent on repairing or cleaning up after water damage can significantly hinder hospital productivity. In extreme cases, hospital operations can be halted entirely due to extensive hospital water damage.

Reduce the risk of hospital water damage

As you can see, water damage can have costly consequences for hospital staff and patients. Fortunately, hospital facilities can take steps to reduce the risk of hospital water damage and its associated costs.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton recommend that healthcare professionals regularly inspect hospital facilities for signs of excess moisture such as dampness, discoloration on walls and floors, or a musty smell. Having a professional regularly check hospital pipes and other water sources can also help identify any issues before they intensify. 

How the professionals at SERVPRO can help prevent and restore hospital water damage

The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton understand the importance of hospital cleanliness and safety. They are available 24/7 to help hospital facilities mitigate risks associated with hospital water damage.

Our experienced professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to quickly detect signs of water damage within hospital walls and other areas that may be difficult to access. We provide detailed inspection reports that provide hospital staff with evidence of existing water damage and help hospital facilities plan for further preventative measures.

We also provide expert restoration services to hospital facilities, restoring hospital walls and floors damaged by water or mold. Our IICRC-certified technicians use advanced equipment to quickly and effectively repair hospital water damage. Our commitment to quality service ensures hospital operations are not compromised, and hospital staff can focus on providing quality patient care.

Wrapping up

Today we went over the effects of water damage and how it causes severe complications for hospital facilities, leading to costly repairs, mold growth, damaged medical equipment, document destruction, and reduced hospital productivity.

Taking proactive steps to prevent hospital water damage is the best way to ensure patient safety and hospital operations are not compromised. The professionals at SERVPRO of East and South Dayton are available 24/7 to help hospital facilities mitigate risks associated with hospital water damage and restore any signs of water damage. Contact us today to learn more about our water damage restoration services.

Storm Damage Inspection: 5 Things to Expect From The Experts

12/26/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for storm damage inspections!

A storm damage inspection is essential for property owners after a significant weather event causes property damage.

Residents of the greater Dayton, Ohio, know that unpredictable storms occur all year. With the prevalence of tornadoes, heavy rains, and snow, storm damage to Dayton properties is inevitable. Therefore, knowing how you, a property owner, can prepare for storm damage inspections and what to expect during the process is essential.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek have put together this blog post to help educate property owners on storm damage inspections. We have included a list of five things to expect and some tips to keep in mind regarding storm damage inspections.

Before we begin, contact us immediately if you currently have storm damage on your property and need an inspection. Our storm damage crews are available 24/7 and can respond quickly to your needs.

What is a storm damage inspection?

A storm damage inspection is a process by which a qualified professional assesses the damage to a property affected by a storm. Like a windstorm inspection, a storm damage inspection includes looking for signs of water damage, roof damage, structural damage, and wind damage. The inspector will provide a detailed report of their findings, which you can use to file an insurance claim or get the necessary repairs done.

Five things to expect during a storm damage inspection

Each storm damage inspection is different because the damage's severity will differ from property to property. However, there are five simple things that you can expect during this process:

1. Documentation: The inspector will take pictures and document their findings so that you have a record of the storm's impact on your property.
2. Advanced tools: A storm damage inspection utilizes specialized equipment to detect water damage behind walls, under floors and other areas that may be difficult to see with the naked eye.
3. Questions: They will ask you questions about the storm, such as how long it lasted and what damage occurred.
4. Insurance claim help: The inspector will provide a written report of their findings that you can use to file an insurance claim or get the necessary repairs done.
5. Preventive tips: Depending on the storm's severity, they may recommend additional repairs or preventive measures to protect your property moving forward.

Preparing for a storm damage inspection

There are some necessary steps in preparation for a storm damage inspection on your property. Here are some tips before your storm damage restoration professional arrives:

• Tip 1: Go through your insurance documents and ensure you have all the necessary information ready for the inspector.
• Tip 2: Take pictures of any storm-related damage before and after it has been cleaned up.
• Tip 3: List any repairs or changes you have noticed since the storm.
• Tip 4: Ask your insurance company if they cover storm damage repairs and if you need anything else to process your claim successfully.

Let SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek help you inspect your storm damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek are here to help you with storm damage inspections. We understand the importance of having an experienced team assess and document storm-related damage on your property. Our storm damage crews are available 24/7 and provide quality inspection for commercial and residential properties.

We are a highly reputable storm restoration company that also offers various storm-related repair services, such as roof repairs, structural repairs, and water mitigation services. If you need assistance with storm damage repairs, we can help you every step of the way. 

Wrapping up

Thank you for reading our blog post on storm damage inspections. We hope this information helps get your property back in shape after a storm. If you need any assistance with storm damage inspections or repairs, contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek today! We are here to help. ??

5 Candle Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help combat a candle fire disaster.

Understanding candle safety can help prevent devastating fires on your property.

With many different scents, it's no wonder that candles have become such a popular way to enjoy peace and quiet while transforming spaces through smell. However, as much as we love them, candles can pose a serious fire hazard if they're not used correctly.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek want you to understand candle safety to help keep your family and home safe from fire damage. We receive numerous calls for fire damage restoration after a candle fire every year. Therefore, we intimately know the devastation they can cause. But the worst part about candle fires is that most of the time, they are preventable.

The following blog post will discuss five candle safety tips every homeowner should know. Educating yourself on candle fire safety can help prevent a dangerous situation in your home.

Candle fire statistics

Before diving into candle safety tips, let's look at candle fire statistics. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are about 20 home fires caused by candles daily, with the days around Christmas being the peak of candle fires. Of note, three of every five home candle fires occurred when a combustible material was too close to the candle flame.

Candle safety tips

With the holiday season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to review candle safety tips. By taking a few moments to educate yourself on candle fire safety, you can help prevent a dangerous situation in your home. Here are our five candle safety tips:

1) Keep candles away from flammable and combustible objects

Keeping candles away from flammable and combustible objects may seem like an obvious safety tip, but it's often overlooked. Removing all flammable items within a one-foot safety circle around a burning candle is essential. One of the locations often overlooked is the window seal. Drapes and blinds are highly flammable, so it is vital never to place candles in windows near blinds or curtains.

2) Don't leave burning candles unattended

This candle safety tip is crucial: never leave a candle burning unattended, even for a short period. If you have to leave the room, blow out all the candles before you go.

3) Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over

When choosing a candle holder, please select a sturdy one that won't tip over easily. Glass candle holders are a good option because they are less likely to tip over than other types of candle holders. Also, place candles on stable surfaces.

4) Keep candles out of reach of children and pets

Keep candles out of reach of children and pets because of the risk of knocking them over. In addition, the flame can be harmful if touched, and candle wax can also cause burns.

5) Trim all candle wicks

When candle wicks are too long, they can produce taller flames that are more likely to cause a fire. So be sure to trim candle wicks to about ¼ inch before each use.

Following these candle safety tips can help prevent a fire in your home. However, knowing the best company to contact when a fire occurs is essential to being prepared for a fire disaster. 

Trust SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek to combat any fire damage

Today, we discussed five candle safety tips every homeowner should know. Candle fires are preventable, but if one does occur in your home, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are here to help.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a fire damage restoration company that understands the devastation a fire can cause and will work quickly to restore your home to its pre-fire condition. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle all aspects of the fire damage restoration process.

Please get in touch with us today if you have questions about our fire damage restoration services or candle safety tips. We are always here to help!

Discover The Top 3 Surefire Signs You Need New Subflooring

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available when you need them most!

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have experience replacing subflooring in every imaginable condition.

You may have heard that well-maintained subflooring can last the property’s lifespan, but many factors can cause subflooring to break down and become permanently damaged. Knowing when your property needs new subflooring can save you time and money in the long run by preventing more significant structural damage.

Three common signs indicate it’s time to replace your subfloor:

1. Water Damage
2. Warping
3. Squeaking

The following blog post will elaborate on each sign in further detail. Replacing your subflooring is a big job, but it needs to be done from time to time, depending on the age of your home. If you’re noticing any subflooring issues mentioned in this blog post, it’s probably time for a replacement.

What is subflooring?

Subflooring is a layer of material that sits below your flooring and helps to protect your property from the elements. It also provides a stable foundation for your home or business. The subflooring is attached to your property’s joists, the horizontal beams supporting your floors.

In short, your subflooring protects your property from the elements and provides a stable foundation for your home or business.

Plywood is the most common type of subflooring material. Plywood consists of layers of wood glued together. OSB (oriented strand board) is another type of subflooring material. It’s made up of smaller pieces of wood glued and pressed together.

The three signs that it’s time to replace your subflooring

Three common signs indicate it’s time to replace your subfloor: water damage, warping, and squeaking.

1) Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common indicators that you need new subflooring. Water can seep into your subflooring through cracks or holes in your primary flooring; it can also come up through the seams between your subflooring and joists.

If you have water damage, you’ll usually see swelling, discoloration, or mold on your subflooring. In addition, if you have a musty smell in your home or business without visible water damage on the surface, that’s another sign of water-damaged subflooring. Call a water damage company at the first sign of water damage.

2) Warping

Warping is another common sign that you need new subflooring. Warping is when your subflooring bends or curves. Most often caused by water damage, changes in temperature or humidity can also cause it. If your subflooring is warped, you’ll usually see cracks or buckling in your flooring. In addition, your floors might also feel spongy or bouncy.

3) Squeaking

When subflooring starts to break down, it can begin to squeak. Squeaking is usually caused by the subflooring pulling away from the joists. So if your subfloor is squeaking, you’ll usually hear it when you walk on your floors.

Tips to prevent subfloor damage

Preventing damage is the name of the game when prolonging the life of your subflooring. Here are a few tips that can help:

• Inspect your flooring regularly for signs of wear and tear.
• Repair any cracks or holes in your flooring or foundation as soon as possible.
• Use mats or rugs at all entrances to your home or business to help keep dirt and debris out.
• If you have a crawl space, ensure it’s well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.

Replace your subflooring with SERVPRO

If you’re noticing any of the main three subflooring issues mentioned in the above blog post, it’s probably time for a replacement. But don’t worry—you don’t have to do it yourself. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can take care of everything for you. We have years of experience replacing subflooring, and we’ll ensure the job is done correctly. In addition, we use high-quality materials and equipment, so you can be sure your property is protected, and your property is "Like it never even happened."

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection or for any questions. We’re always here to help!

Garage Fire Damage: The 3 Most Common Causes

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help combat fire damage!

The number one best way to avoid garage fire damage is to be aware of how they begin.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen it all when it comes to fire damage and know that a fire is often preventable. We want to ensure you and your family are as safe as possible and avoid the devastation of a preventable fire because fire damage can leave your garage and home in disarray and cause long-lasting damage if not adequately treated. 

In the past year, we have received multiple service calls regarding garage fire damage. Out of all the garage fires that we have restored, we have seen three causes reoccur the most often: 

1. Flammable materials improperly stored
2. Gas-engine malfunctions 
3. Indoor grilling

The following blog post will look at each of these causes in more detail so you can be as prepared as possible and avoid fire damage to your garage.

What is garage fire damage?

Garage fire damage is any fire damage that occurs in the garage. Depending on the cause and the burn time, the size could be anything from a small fire to a large blaze that engulfs the entire garage. It is essential to follow garage fire safety because a garage fire can be devastating, leaving your home and belongings in disarray. Garage fire damage can also cause long-lasting damage to your home if not properly treated.

The causes of garage fires

Garage fire damage is a severe issue that can have several causes. The most common causes of garage fires are flammable materials improperly stored, engine malfunctions, and indoor grilling. Let's discuss these three garage fire causes in further detail below.

Flammable materials improperly stored: one of the most common causes of garage fire is flammable materials that are improperly stored. For example, many people store gasoline, paint thinner, and oil in their garage, and when these items are exposed to heat or an open flame, they can easily ignite and cause a fire. Therefore, it is best to store all flammable materials safely away from heat sources to prevent them from starting a garage fire.

Gas-engine malfunctions: another common cause of a garage fire is gas-engine malfunctions. When a car or other gas-powered engine overheats, it can easily ignite any nearby flammable materials and cause a fire. Therefore, you will want to have all gas-powered engines regularly serviced and keep them clean to avoid a fire outbreak.

Indoor grilling: another common cause of garage fire is indoor grilling. Many people use their garage as a place to grill, but if a garage is not well ventilated, it can easily ignite any nearby flammable materials and cause a fire. To prevent this, it's essential to grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

Steps to follow to restore your garage after a fire

Even the most prepared property owners can suffer from garage fire damage. So, after a garage fire, you will want to follow these steps to ensure that your garage is properly restored:

1. Contact a fire restoration company. The right fire restoration company will have the experience and training to restore your garage and belongings properly.
2. Call your insurance provider. Your homeowner's insurance should cover garage fire damage, so it's essential to call your provider and start the claims process as soon as possible.
3. Prioritize removing all important damaged items from the garage. Some important items may include paperwork, clothing, and oriental rugs.

How do the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek help after a garage fire?

When you call our SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek professionals, we will work quickly to restore your garage to its pre-fire condition. After we receive your emergency service call, we will:

• Inspect the garage for any safety hazards.
• Remove any damaged belongings from the garage.
• Clean and deodorize the garage by removing any soot or smoke residue.
• Repair any damage caused by the fire.
• Restore any salvageable contents

We understand that garage fires can be devastating, so we will work quickly and efficiently to get your garage and home back to normal. If you have any questions or want to schedule an estimate, don't hesitate to contact us today.

Contents restoration: Your #1 Guide to Recovery

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24/7 to help you recover from disaster!

Contents restoration can be a complex process, but with the help of SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, the process will be much easier! 

The professionals at SERVPRO receive multiple property damage calls every day. One of the main reasons customers choose to work with us time after time is due to our ability to assess situations quickly and begin the restoration process. Using our knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment, we have the power to restore your belongings to their preloss condition.

We understand that you may have questions regarding the contents restoration process and how the process can become easier before we arrive to help mitigate the damage. So, to help ease your mind, we've put together this guide with some tips to speed up the contents restoration recovery. 

What is contents restoration? 

Contents restoration is the process of cleaning and repairing damaged personal belongings caused by water, fire, or smoke damage. There are many items that can go through our contents restoration process. Here are the most common items that our professionals restore: 

• Furniture
• Clothing 
• Electronics 
• Family heirlooms 
• Important documents 

4 Tips to speed up recovery

Now that you are aware of the contents restoration process and what it entails, here are some tips to make the process go by even smoother! 

Tip 1. Act fast- The sooner you call for help, the better. Contents damaged by water can quickly become moldy, and contents damaged by fire can become permanently discolored. 

Tip 2. Separate salvageable and non-salvageable items- Before SERVPRO arrives to start the contents restoration process, it is essential that you separate items to speed up the process and allow our professionals to focus on the items that can be restored. 

Tip 3. Gather any important documents- It is essential to gather damaged important documents first to go through the contents restoration process. Common important documents include:

• Birth certificates, 
• Social security cards 
• Passports
• Etc. 

Tip 4. Don't try to clean or repair damaged items yourself- It is essential to leave the contents restoration to the professionals. Cleaning or repairing damaged items yourself can do more harm than good. 

Our contents restoration process 

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have gone through extensive training to learn the best methods for contents restoration. We pride ourselves on our ability to work quickly and efficiently to restore your belongings to their preloss condition. Here is our step-by-step process for contents restoration: 

Step 1. Contents assessment- The first step is to assess the damage's extent and determine what can be restored and what needs to be replaced. 

Step 2. Inventory and pack-out- Once we have assessed the damage, we will make an inventory of all the damaged items using XactContents and begin the pack-out process. The pack-out process is when we carefully pack up all the damaged items and remove them from the property. 

Step 3. Contents cleaning- Once we have determined what can be restored, we will begin the cleaning process. We will use dry cleaning, wet cleaning, or ultrasonic cleaning techniques. 

Step 4. Contents deodorization- After your belongings are cleaned, we will work to remove any lingering odors that may be present. 

Step 5. Contents repairs- In some cases, minor repairs may need to be made to restore your belongings to their preloss condition. 

Step 6. Contents storage- If needed, we can store your belongings in our climate-controlled facility until your home or office is ready for them. 

Wrapping up

We understand that contents restoration can be a daunting and emotional process. But with the help of our professional team at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, we can make it "Like it never even happened." As you learned today, we use the latest techniques and equipment, allowing us to restore your contents as quickly as possible.

We hope you enjoyed our guide on contents restoration and that it helped you better understand our contents restoration process. When you have property damage, time is of the essence, so don't hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is always here to help!

Wet Drywall: The 3 Most Common Signs

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to combat water damage!

The professionals at SERVPRO use moisture meters to detect wet drywall.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek has served those living in the Greater Dayton area for over 25 years. As experts in water damage restoration, we can help you identify wet drywall and take the necessary steps to prevent further damage. 

We know firsthand that wet drywall can be detrimental to the structure of your building. Therefore, it is essential to take wet drywall seriously and to call a water damage professional as soon as possible.

Several signs indicate wet drywall, and in the following blog post, we will be going over the three main indications in detail. By the end, we hope you know how to identify wet drywall better and can avoid any future water damage in your home.

What are the causes of wet drywall?

Before we dive into the signs of wet drywall, let's briefly go over some of the common causes of wet drywall. The most common cause of wet drywall is the result of a pipe burst. Your home consists of pipes responsible for bringing fresh water into your home and removing wastewater. If one of these pipes bursts, it can cause wet drywall.

Another common cause of wet drywall is a roof leak. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements and may develop cracks or holes over time. When your roof is not properly maintained, water can enter your home through these cracks and holes and cause wet drywall.

The last common cause of wet drywall is due to appliance leaks. Many appliances in your home, such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater, use water. If one of these appliances leaks, it can cause wet drywall.

Three signs of wet drywall

Now that we've gone over some of the common causes of wet drywall, let's dive into the three main signs of wet drywall:

1. Water stains
2. Warping
3. Mold growth

Water stains

The first sign of wet drywall is water stains. Water stains can be hard to miss and are often the first sign that something is wrong. So if you see water stains on your drywall, it's a good indication that wet drywall is present.

Warping

The second sign of wet drywall is warping. Warped drywall is another easy-to-spot sign of wet drywall. Warped dry will no longer appear as flat because water has been absorbed.

Mold growth

The third and final sign of wet drywall is mold growth. Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp environments. So if you see mold growing on your drywall, it's a good indication that wet drywall is present.

How to prevent wet drywall from happening in your home

Water damage is one of the most common causes of wet drywall. If you want to prevent wet drywall from happening in your home, there are several things you can do:

The first thing you can do is properly maintain your roof. Check for any cracks or holes and repair them as soon as possible. Water can enter your home and cause wet drywall if you don't maintain your roof.

The second thing you can do is properly maintain your appliances. Check for any leaks and fix them as soon as possible. If you don't maintain your appliances, they can leak and cause wet drywall.

The last thing you can do is install a water alarm. A water alarm will notify you if there is any water in your home, which will help you detect wet drywall before it becomes too severe.

How can the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek help combat wet drywall?

Today we went over the three main signs of wet drywall and the common causes. We also discussed some tips on preventing wet drywall from happening in your home because prevention is critical. However, wet drywall can still occur even if you take all the necessary precautions. If wet drywall does happen in your home, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are here to help!

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are all IICRC certified and have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to correctly identify wet drywall and take the necessary steps to prevent it from causing further damage.

Please get in touch with us anytime for any questions or information on how we can combat water damage in your home or business!

Hardwood Water Damage: The #1 Guide For Restoration

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO can restore your water-damaged hardwood floors!

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can save your hardwood floors from water damage! 

Water damage is a severe problem that can affect any home, and one of the worst items to get wet are hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are not only expensive to replace, but they are also difficult to repair. The best way to avoid having to replace your hardwood floors is to take immediate action when water damage occurs.

This comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about restoring your hardwood flooring after water damage. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are your one-stop shop for water damage restoration. 

What is hardwood water damage?

Hardwood water damage is damage that occurs when water seeps into the cracks and joints of your hardwood floors. Hardwood water damage can happen from a number of sources, including leaks, spills, and floods. When water damage occurs, it is essential to take action immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur. The following signs are indications that your hardwood floors have been affected by water damage:

• Warped or buckled flooring
• Gapping between floorboards
• Peeling or bubbling paint or varnish
• Mildew or mold growth
• Odors such as mustiness or sewage

What to do if you experience hardwood water damage?

The first thing you need to do when you experience hardwood water damage is to assess the damage. You will want to look at the type of water infiltration, the type of wood flooring, and the severity of the damage. Once you have assessed the damage, you must contact a reliable water restoration company and provide them with the gathered information.

What to expect from the restoration process

When contacting a team of water restoration professionals, they will work quickly to create a plan of action. The goal is to restore your hardwood floors to their pre-damaged state. This process usually takes a few days to a week to complete.

During the restoration process, the team of professionals will:

• Remove all water from the flooring
• Remove all damaged floorboards
• Sand and refinish the entire floor
• Clean and disinfect the area

Once the restoration is complete, your hardwood floors will look as good as new!

Preventing hardwood water damage in the future

One of the best ways to prevent permanent hardwood water damage is to take immediate action when water damage occurs. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur. In addition, you can take steps to prevent water damage from happening in the first place.

Some steps you can take to prevent water damage include:

• Installing a waterproof membrane under your flooring
• Ensuring your gutters are clear and draining properly
• Checking your roof for leaks regularly
• Ensuring your appliances are functioning properly

These are just a few of the measures you can take to help prevent water damage in your home. Following these precautions can help ensure your floors stay safe from moisture and water infiltration.

How SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek helps with hardwood water damage?

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a reliable and experienced water restoration company that can help you restore your hardwood floors after water damage has occurred. We have the knowledge and resources to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

When you choose to work with our team of IICRC water damage restorers, you can expect the following:

• A quick response time
• A thorough assessment of the damage
• A detailed plan of action
• A complete restoration of your flooring

If you are experiencing hardwood water damage, please get in touch with us immediately. We are available 24/7 to start the restoration process and help you get your beautiful floors back to normal.

Summer Storm Damage: 3 Types of Storms That Cause the Most Damage

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help restore any property affected by summer storm damage.

Recover quickly from summer storm damage with help from the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek!

Summer storms can cause a great deal of damage, both to your property and to your peace of mind. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek receive an increased number of emergency storm damage calls after summer storms, and we're here to help you recover quickly.

There are three types of summer storms that can cause significant damage:

1. Thunderstorms
2. Hail storms
3. Tornadoes

Each type of summer storm has its own set of dangers, so it's essential to prepare for all three. In the following blog post, we will go over how each type of summer storm can cause damage and why you should contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek when you experience any storm damage.

What is summer storm damage?

Summer storm damage refers to property damage caused by a storm in the summer. Summer storm damage can consist of exterior and interior property damage. Whatever the form of summer storm damage, it's essential to take steps to mitigate the damage as much as possible.

One of the main dangers of summer storms is the high winds they often bring with them. These winds can cause tree limbs and debris to fall, damaging property. In addition, summer storms can also cause power outages and flooding.

The three leading types of summer storms cause the most damage.

As we mentioned earlier, the three types of summer storms that can cause the most damage are thunderstorms, hail storms, and tornadoes. In the following sections, we will discuss how your property can become damaged by the three types of summer storms.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are a common type of summer storm that can cause a great deal of damage. One of the dangers that thunderstorms bring to a property is excess rainfall. Rain can cause flooding, damaging your property significantly when not mitigated and restored quickly. 

Hail storms

Hail storms are another type of summer storm that can cause significant damage. The hail stones that come down during a hail storm can cause damage to your home's siding, windows, and roof. In addition, hail storms can also cause tree damage and power outages.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are a type of summer storm that can cause significant damage. Tornadoes can cause damage to your home's structure, as well as downed trees and power lines. The professionals at SERVPRO have dealt with the aftermath of tornado damage and know the importance of quickly mitigating and restoring summer storm damage.

Protecting your property from summer storm damage

Summer storms can cause significant damage to your property, so it's essential to take steps to protect it. Here are a few tips to help you protect your property from summer storm damage:

• Keep valuables in a safe location.
• Clear your gutters and downspouts.
• Trim tree limbs.
• Secure outdoor furniture.
• Have a storm damage mitigation and restoration plan in place.

How the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can help after summer storm damage?

If you've recently experienced any summer storm damage, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can help. We have the experience and resources to mitigate the damage and help you get your life back to normal.

We understand that summer storms can be unpredictable and cause significant damage. That's why we're here to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We're dedicated to responding immediately to summer storm damage emergencies and will work quickly to restore your property back to its pre-storm condition.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is locally owned and operated, so we're already close by and ready to help. In addition, we have a strong storm damage restoration presence in the Dayton area and are prepared to handle any size summer storm damage emergency.
Contact us today to learn more about our summer storm damage restoration services or to schedule an inspection.

The Top 3 Crawl Space Water Damage Causes: What You Need to Know

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals can help remove and prevent crawl space water damage!

Water damage can be a massive headache, and it's even worse when the damage is in your crawl space.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen it all when it comes to water damage, and we know that water in your crawl space can come from many different sources.

This blog post will go over the top three causes of crawl space water damage and what you can do to prevent it. We put this blog post together because we want to help you keep your home in tip-top shape and avoid water damage before it starts.

What is crawl space water damage?

Crawl space water damage occurs when water seeps into your crawl space. Crawl space water damage can be minor, such as moisture on the floors or walls, or it can be significant, such as flooding. Crawl space water damage is often hard to spot because it's out of sight and out of mind. Hence why it's essential to be aware of the signs of crawl space water damage, which we will review later in this blog post.

The three leading causes of crawl space water damage

Now that we understand crawl space water damage let's look at the three leading causes.

1) Faulty roof

One of the most common causes of crawl space water damage is a faulty roof. If your roof leaks, it's only a matter of time before the water seeps into your crawl space. A leaky roof is often caused by missing or damaged shingles, but a faulty gutter system can also cause it.

If you suspect that your roof is leaking, it's essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

2) Plumbing leak

Another common cause of crawl space water damage is a plumbing leak. If there is a leak in your plumbing, the water will eventually make its way into your crawl space. A plumbing leak can result from many different things, such as a broken pipe or a faulty appliance.

If you suspect a plumbing leak, it's essential to have it fixed as soon as possible. The longer the leak goes unrepaired, the more damage it will cause.

3) Groundwater seepage

Ground seepage is the third and final leading cause of crawl space water damage. Groundwater seepage occurs when water from the ground seeps into your crawl space caused by a high water table or poor drainage around your foundation.

If you suspect that you have groundwater seepage, it's essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

What are the signs of crawl space water damage?

Now that we have gone over the three leading causes of crawl space water damage, let's look at the signs. The sooner you catch the signs of crawl space water damage, the sooner you can take corrective action and prevent further damage.

Some of the most common signs of crawl space water damage include:

• Water stains on the walls or ceiling
• Mold or mildew growth
• Musty odors
• Damp floors
• Peeling paint
• Rusting metal

If you notice any of these signs in your crawl space, it's essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

Preventing crawl space water damage

The best way to deal with crawl space water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips on how you can avoid crawl space water damage:

• Inspect your roof regularly and have any leaks fixed as soon as possible.
• Check your plumbing regularly for leaks and correct them as quickly as possible.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and in good working condition.
• Inspect your foundation periodically and seal any cracks or gaps.
• Improve the drainage around your foundation.
• Install a sump pump in your crawl space.

If you follow these tips, you can help prevent crawl space water damage.

What to do if you have crawl space water damage

If you have crawl space water damage, it's essential to take corrective action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage the water will cause. Here are some tips on what you can do if you have crawl space water damage:

1. Call a professional. Crawl space water damage is not something you should try to fix on your own. Calling a professional with the knowledge and experience to deal with the problem correctly is essential.
2. Remove any standing water. If there is any standing water in your crawl space, it's essential to remove it as soon as possible. The longer the water stands, the more damage it will cause.
3. Dry out the area. Once all the standing water is removed, it's essential to dry out the area. Fans, dehumidifiers, or a wet/dry vacuum are the best pieces of restoration technology to dry a crawlspace.
4. Remove any damaged materials. Once the area is dry, you can remove any damaged materials, including insulation, flooring, walls, etc.
5. Clean and disinfect the area. Once the damaged materials have been removed, cleaning and disinfecting the area is essential to help prevent mold and mildew growth.
6. Repair any damage. Once the area is clean and dry, you can start repairing any damage caused by the water, including fixing leaks, sealing cracks, etc.

If you follow these tips, you can help minimize the damage caused by crawl space water damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can restore your crawl space water damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have mitigated hundreds of homes and businesses that have had crawl space water damage. We understand the importance of acting quickly and will work quickly to restore your home or business to its pre-water damage condition.

We have the knowledge and experience to deal with all types of water damage, no matter how big or small. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to dry out your home or business and prevent further damage.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have crawl space water damage. We are available 24/7/365 and will respond to your call immediately.

The Top 2 Benefits of Emergency Board Up Services

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for a quick response to your property damage!

Emergency board up services offer more than a sense of security and peace of mind.

When it comes to protecting your property, nothing is more important than having a solid security system. The professionals at SERVPRO know that security is exceptionally essential after a property has been affected by severe storm damage, fire damage, water damage, vehicle impact damage, or vacancy.

When disaster strikes your property, the first step is to board up any openings to prevent further damage, and emergency board up services has proven to be one of the best physical barriers you can have in place. Boarding your property after a disaster can: 

1. Help prevent further damage from occurring.
2. Provide a sense of safety and security for the property owner.

The following blog post will go into depth on these two benefits of emergency board up services and why you should contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for all your disaster restoration needs.

What are emergency board up services?

Emergency board up services are temporary repairs put in place to secure a property with damages. For example, emergency board up services will secure a property's doors, windows, and other openings. Restoration professionals offer these services to cover any damaged areas of the property that may be susceptible to further damage. Emergency board up services are typically put in place within 24 hours of the initial damage occurring.

The two main benefits of emergency board up services

Now that you know what emergency board up services entail, it is time to go into further detail on the top two benefits of using them. Here are the two benefits of emergency board up services:

1. Emergency board up services can help prevent further damage from occurring by creating a physical barrier between your property and the outside world. This barrier can help to prevent wind, water, and other elements from entering your property and causing further damage.
2. Emergency board up services can provide a sense of safety and security for the property owner by making it more difficult for intruders to enter your property. A property owner will have greater peace of mind knowing their property is better protected from thieves and vandals.

How to choose the right contractor for emergency board up services?

When choosing a contractor for emergency board up services, it is essential that you choose a reputable and experienced company. The last thing you want is further damage to your property because the hired contractor did not perform the board up services correctly.

Here are some tips for choosing the right contractor for emergency board up services:

• Make sure that the contractor has experience in providing emergency board up services.
• Ask the contractor for references from previous clients.
• Ensure that the contractor is licensed and insured.
• Ensure the contractor only uses the best board up materials for the job.
• Get a written estimate from the contractor before work begins.
• Ensure that the contractor is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for all of your disaster restoration needs

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a professional disaster restoration company specializing in emergency board up services. As an IICRC-certified firm, we have the knowledge and experience to assess the damage and quickly provide a plan of action.

When you contact us for emergency board services, we will:

• Inspect the property for damage and make a plan of action
• Board up any openings to prevent further damage
• Cover up any damaged areas that may be susceptible to further damage

In addition, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to any size disaster. Contact us today for more information on our emergency board up services.

Mold in Hotel Rooms: 5 Causes and Prevention Tips

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fast mold remediation services!

Mold is a common problem in hotel environments, especially in hotel rooms.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have mitigated many hotel mold losses and have seen firsthand the damages that mold can cause.

Mold thrives in warm, moist environments, and hotel rooms provide the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

This blog post will discuss the causes of hotel mold and how to prevent it from growing in your hotel building. We will also provide tips on what to do if you find mold in your room. Our goal here at SERVPRO is for our hotel owners and guests to live in a safe and mold-free environment. So, without further ado, let's get started! 

What causes hotel mold?

Many factors can contribute to the growth of mold in hotel rooms. However, the five most common causes of hotel mold include:

1. Poor ventilation: Poorly ventilated hotel rooms will have excess moisture leading to mold growth.
2. Leaky pipes: If a hotel room pipes are leaking, it can create moist conditions for mold to grow.
3. Water damage: If hotel rooms experience water damage from flooding, it can create the perfect environment for mold to grow.
4. Humidity: High humidity levels in hotel rooms can create the ideal conditions for mold to grow.
5. Dirty hotel rooms: Dirt and dust can provide the perfect food source for mold to grow.

So, how do you prevent hotel mold?

There are many things that hotel owners and guests can do to prevent hotel mold. Some of the most effective prevention tips include:

1. Increase ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to preventing hotel mold. Open windows and doors when possible and use fans to circulate air.
2. Fix leaks: Be sure to fix hotel room leaks as soon as possible.
3. Prevent water damage: Take measures to prevent water damage in hotel rooms, such as using water-resistant materials and replacing outdated appliances.
4. Control humidity: Keep hotel room humidity levels under control by using a dehumidifier and opening windows and doors when possible.
5. Keep hotel rooms clean: Vacuum and dust regularly, and wash bedding and towels often.

The signs of hotel mold

There are many signs that hotel mold is present. Some of the most common signs of hotel mold include:

• Visible mold growth: Look for any visible mold growth in hotel rooms. You can find mold in dark, damp areas such as under beds, closets, and bathrooms.
• Musty odors: If hotel rooms have a musty or mildewy smell, it could be a sign of mold.
• Stained walls or ceilings: If hotel room walls or ceilings are stained, it could indicate a water leak, leading to mold growth.
• Excessive humidity: If hotel rooms are excessively humid, it could indicate mold damage.

What should you do if you find hotel mold?

If you find hotel mold in your hotel room, it is essential to take action immediately. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek recommends the following steps:

• Contact hotel management: Let hotel management know as soon as possible so they can take action to remediate the mold.
• Isolate the area: Be sure to isolate the area where the mold is present to prevent it from spreading.
• Call mold remediation professionals: When there is a mold issue, it is best to call a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about hotel mold and how to prevent it. Mold is a common problem in hotel atmospheres, but there are many things that hotel owners and guests can do to prevent its growth. If you find hotel mold in your room, be sure to take action immediately by contacting hotel management and calling a professional mold remediation company.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are experts in mold remediation, and we are here to help if you find hotel mold in your room. Contact us today for more information about our services. We're here to help!

5 BBQ Grill Fire Prevention Tips: Avoid Fire Damage!

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fast responding services!

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen the devastation that a grill fire can cause, and we want to help you avoid severe damage. 

Summer is BBQ season! But before you get too excited about all of those backyard cookouts, be sure to read the BBQ grill fire prevention tips mentioned in this blog post. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek understand that BBQs are a great way to entertain friends and family. Still, they can also be a significant source of fire damage if not used safely. 

Here are 5 BBQ grill fire prevention tips to help keep your summer BBQs safe:

1. Keep a close eye on the grill at all times.
2. Make sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area.
3. Clean the grill regularly to prevent grease build-up
4. Keep flammable materials away from the grill.
5. Use the right fuel.

Keep on reading to learn more about each of these tips in detail!

What causes a grill fire?

Grill fires can happen for various reasons, but the most common cause is an overheated grill. When the fat or grease from your food drips down onto the heat source, it can cause a fire. Grill fires can also happen by sparks from the grill or something coming in contact with the heat source.

Five tips to prevent grill fires

Now that we know what can cause a grill fire let’s go over some tips on avoiding them.

1) Keep a close eye on the grill at all times

Keeping a close eye on your grill may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to keep a close eye on it whenever it’s in use. If you leave the grill unattended, you risk a fire starting.

2) Make sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area

It’s essential to make sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area so that the smoke from the grill has somewhere to go. If the smoke is trapped, it can cause a fire.

3) Clean the grill regularly to prevent grease build-up

One of the best ways to avoid a grill fire is to keep your grill clean. When you remove any old food and grease build-up, it reduces the chances of a fire. Make sure to clean your grill before and after each use.

4) Keep flammable materials away from the grill.

It’s important to keep anything flammable away from the grill. Everyday flammable items include things like paper plates, napkins, and towels. If these materials come in contact with the heat source, they can catch fire quickly.

5) Use the right fuel

Another way to prevent grill fires is to use the correct fuel type. Only use charcoal or propane in your grill, and make sure to follow the instructions on how to light the grill. Never add accelerants to your grill, as this can cause a fire.

What to do if a grill fire starts

If a grill fire does start, the first thing you should do is turn off the heat source. If the fire is small, you can try to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. If the fire is large, or if you cannot put it out, call 911 immediately.

Once the fire has been extinguished, you will need to assess the damage. If there is any damage to your grill, it’s essential to have it repaired or replaced before using it again.

If your home sustains any fire damage from the grill fire, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to help. We are a 24-hour emergency service company, and we will respond quickly to your call.

Wrapping up

Preventing grill fires this summertime will help you avoid costly repairs and damages. Use these five tips to help you enjoy a safe and fun summer grilling season!

When you contact us, we will start the fire damage restoration process right away. Our fire restoration process includes:

• Assessment of the damage
• Board-up and tarp-over services
• Pack out of undamaged belongings
• Contents cleaning
• Demolition
• Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Reconstruction

We understand the stress that comes with a fire in your home. Our goal is to make the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. We will work with your insurance company and keep you updated throughout the entire process.

If you have any questions about fire damage restoration or if you need emergency services, feel free to contact us today. We are here to help!

SERVPRO Air Scrubber 101: What Do They Do?

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to improve your property's air quality!

Air scrubbers are an essential piece of equipment to have in your arsenal, as they work to remove contaminants and particles from the air.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek understand that clean air is essential in any home or business. However, if you've ever had the unfortunate experience of dealing with fire, mold, or water damage, you know that the air in your home or office can quickly become polluted.

That's where an air scrubber comes in. An air scrubber is a device that works to remove particles and contaminants from the air, making it cleaner.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek professionals often uses air scrubbers to clean the air after a fire or flood. But what exactly do air scrubbers do? And why are they so important? In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more!

What is an air scrubber, and what does it do?

The professionals at SERVPRO understand that not all contaminants are visible to the naked eye; many of them are microscopic. So they use high-tech equipment like air scrubbers to clean the air and remove these contaminants.

Air scrubbers work by drawing in contaminated air and passing it through filters. These filters remove the contaminants from the air, leaving behind clean, fresh air.

The type of filter used in an air scrubber depends on the kind of contaminant that needs removing. For example, the air scrubber will have a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter when dealing with mold. This type of filter removes mold spores from the air. If you are dealing with asbestos, the air scrubber will have a different type of filter. This type of filter will remove asbestos fibers from the air.

Air scrubbers are not just for homes and businesses that have been affected by fire or water damage. Air scrubbers can also be in hospitals, schools, and other public spaces because they help reduce the spread of illnesses and improve the air quality.

The benefits of using an air scrubber

There are many benefits to using an air scrubber in your home or business. Here are just a few:

• Air scrubbers can improve the quality of the air in your home. An air scrubber can help improve the air quality in your home by removing particles and contaminants from the air, leaving behind clean, fresh air.
• Air scrubbers can help to reduce the spread of viruses. If you are worried about the spread of a virus in your home or office, an air scrubber can help.
• Air scrubbers can improve the quality of the air in public spaces. If you are responsible for a public space, such as a school or hospital, an air scrubber can help to improve the quality of the air. 

Conclusion

Air scrubbers are an essential piece of equipment for anyone who wants to improve the air quality in their home or office. They work by removing particles and contaminants from the air, leaving behind clean, fresh air. Air scrubbers can be used in hospitals, schools, and other public spaces to help reduce the spread of illnesses and improve air quality. If you are looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home or office, contact the professionals at SERVPRO to install an air scrubber.

When you contact us for air scrubber installation, you can rest assured that your home or office will have the cleanest air possible. Our IICRC-certified professionals have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your space, talk to the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek today!

The 5 Types of Storm Damage And How to Recognize Them

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are ready for any size storm damage restoration project!

It's essential to identify the different types of storm damage so that you can take the necessary precautions and protect your property.

All year long, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek receive calls from customers experiencing storm damage to their property. The type of storm damage a property receives commonly depends on the season and the property's location.

There are five types of storm damage that Dayton property owners should be aware of:

1. Wind damage
2. Hail damage
3. Rain damage
4. Tree damage
5. Snow damage

Each type of storm has its own unique characteristics that can cause serious harm to a property. In this blog post, we will discuss each type of storm in detail and provide tips on recognizing them.

What is storm damage?

Storm damage is any type of damage caused by a severe weather event. The citizens of the Dayton metropolitan area know that storm damage can come in many forms depending on the season.

How to recognize the different types of storm damage

Recognizing storm damage will depend on the type of damage that has occurred. So let's take a closer look at the five different types of storm damage:

Wind Damage

Wind damage occurs when high winds reach up to 50 or 60 mph. These types of winds can cause damage to roofs, windows, doors, and siding. One way to recognize wind damage is by looking for missing shingles on the roof or cracks in the foundation.

Hail Damage

Hail occurs when small bits of ice fall from the sky. These bits of ice can range in size from a small pebble to a large golfball-sized hailstone. Dents in siding or shingles are the most common indication of hail damage.

Rain Damage

Rain damage is caused by, you guessed it, rain! Heavy rains can cause flooding and leaks in roofs, windows, and doors. One way to tell if you have rain damage is by looking for water stains on the ceilings or walls of your property.

Tree Damage

Trees can cause a lot of damage during a storm. High winds can cause trees to fall, damaging roofs, windows, and cars. If you see a tree that has fallen on your property, it is essential to contact a professional to have it removed as soon as possible.

Snow Damage

Snow damage occurs when the weight of snow puts stress on the roof. This type of damage is most common in the wintertime because Ohio receives a lot of snowfall. One way to tell if you have snow damage is by looking for cracks in the ceilings or walls.

No matter what type of storm has passed, you must be sure to inspect for physical damage to your property right away. Missing shingles or siding, dents in metal surfaces, or cracked or broken windows are all common signs that your property has sustained storm damage.

What to do if a storm damages your property?

If a storm damages your property, it is essential to contact your insurance company and a professional storm restoration company to have the damage assessed and repaired. An experienced team will be able to correctly identify the type of damage and take the necessary steps to fix it.

The restoration professionals should know their way around the insurance claims process to help you get the compensation you need to repair your property.

The severity of the damage will dictate the necessary repairs. Common repairs range from patching a hole in the roof or as complex as rebuilding an entire section of the damaged property.

How SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can help

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a professional storm damage restoration company that has been helping customers in the Dayton area for over 25 years. We provide the highest quality service and customer satisfaction while helping customers get the most out of their insurance claims.

When you choose to contact us, we will dispatch a crew to your location as soon as possible. Our IICRC certified and experienced professionals will work diligently to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

We understand that dealing with storm damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, which is why we will work with you every step of the way to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, please don't hesitate to contact us today if your property sustains storm damage.

We are always here to help!

The 2 Most Common Gutter Problems

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are here to help when storm damage strikes!

Gutter problems need to be addressed before the next storm passes.

It's that time of year again when the weatherman is always predicting storms. And while you're probably worrying about what you'll need to do to prepare your home, you should prioritize your gutters, especially if they are already giving you problems! Gutter problems can be a significant issue, and if it's not fixed before a storm hits, you could be in for a world of trouble.

Your gutters play an essential role in protecting your home from water damage. And the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek have seen overlooked gutter problems cause severe storm damage. 

The following blog post will shine a light on the two main problems with gutters and tips on avoiding them. You can ensure that your gutters function correctly and protect your home from storm damage by taking the necessary precautions.

What are gutters?

Gutters are a type of roofing system that helps divert rainwater away from your home. Without gutters, the rainwater would flow off the roof and down the side of the house, where it could damage the siding, windows, and foundation. Gutters are installed along the roof's edge and have a downspout that carries the water away from the house.

What are the two main problems with gutters?

The two biggest gutter problems are:

1. The gutters are not draining
2. Clogged gutters

Gutters not draining

A few different causes could lead to a property's gutters not draining correctly. The first could be that the gutters are too small for the size of the roof. When this happens, the gutters can't handle the amount of water coming off the roof, causing an overflow. Another cause of poorly draining gutters could be the downspouts not being installed correctly or being damaged. If the downspouts are not installed properly, the water will not be diverted away from the house correctly and will overflow.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are another common problem with gutter systems. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can fall into the gutters and block water flow. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go and will overflow the gutters. Clogged gutters can also cause the gutters to pull away from the house, leading to severe damage.

Tips to avoid gutter problems

Whether your property's gutter system has a clog or is overflowing, it's essential to take action to avoid water damage. The following are a few tips on how you can avoid gutter problems:

• Install gutter guards: Gutter guards are installed over the gutters to keep leaves and other debris from falling in and causing a clog.
• Clean your gutters regularly: It's essential to clean your gutters regularly to remove any leaves or debris that may have fallen in.
• Inspect your gutters regularly: Inspect your gutters regularly for any damage or clogs. If you see any damage, be sure to repair it right away.

How can the professionals at SERVPRO help?

We hope this blog post has helped you understand the two main gutter problems. By following the tips mentioned above, you can avoid gutter problems and keep them in good working condition. However, if you experience any water damage due to a faulty gutter system, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek are here to help.

All of us here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek are highly trained and experienced in storm damage restoration. We have the knowledge and equipment to quickly dry out your property to prevent further damage. Our IICRC-certified firm also can work with your insurance company to make the claims process as smooth as possible.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are always here to help!

4 Memorial Day Fire Safety Tips to Avoid Fire Damage

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO want you to have a safe Memorial Day!

SERVPRO receives many fire damage calls during Memorial Day Weekend.

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have died in service to our country. It's also a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy some good food, fun, and fireworks.

We don't want to be a buzzkill, but we know firsthand that fire damage can quickly turn a fun day into a disaster. Therefore, in the following blog post, we will go over four Memorial Day fire safety tips to help avoid fire damage this holiday weekend.

By following the fire safety tips mentioned in this blog post, you can help avoid a fire disaster and keep your Memorial Day weekend fun and safe.

What is fire damage?

Fire damage is damage caused by fire, whether from a structure fire, wildfires, or even BBQ grill fires. It can include damage to your home or business and your belongings.

When fire damage occurs, you will likely need the help of a professional fire restoration company, such as SERVPRO, to clean up and restore your property.

Tips to avoid fire damage this Memorial Day weekend

1. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people we see each year have left their charcoal or lighter fluid too close to the grill causing fire damage. These materials can easily ignite if they get too hot, so keeping them far away from heat sources is essential.

2. Never leave a burning grill unattended

We know you'll be busy chatting with friends and family, but never leaving a fire unattended is essential. If you need to step away from the grill, make sure someone else is there to watch it.

3. Use fireworks in a safe area

Fireworks are a lot of fun, but they can also be very dangerous. Always read the instructions before using them, and make sure you're using them in a safe area. We recommend using them in an open area away from houses or trees.

4. Have a fire extinguisher on hand

In case of an emergency, it's essential to have a fire extinguisher on hand. A fire extinguisher will help put out a small fire before it gets out of control.

What to do if a fire occurs this memorial day weekend?

If a fire occurs this Memorial Day Weekend, you need to remember that it is essential to stay calm and act fast while following these steps:

1. Get everyone out of the house or building right away.
2. Call 911 to report the fire.
3. Once you are outside, stay there and do not go back inside for any reason.
4. Wait for firefighters to arrive and put out the fire.
5. Contact a reliable fire restoration company once the fire is out.

The best fire restoration company in Ohio 

If you have experienced fire damage, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to help. We are a trusted leader in the fire restoration industry with the resources and training from the IICRC to handle any size fire damage project.

Our SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek fire restoration services include:

• 24/7 emergency services
• Board-up and tarping services
• Smoke and soot removal
• Odor control
• Contents cleaning and restoration
• Reconstruction services

No matter how big or small the fire damage is, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek has the experience and resources to get the job done right.

Final thoughts

It is always better to be cautious about fire damage and avoid it altogether but if you experience fire damage this weekend, remember that SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to help.

In order to prevent fire damage, it is essential to remember the following safety tips this Memorial Day weekend:

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
• Never leave a burning grill unattended
• Use fireworks in a safe area
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand

Please contact us if you experience fire damage or have any questions about our fire restoration services.

We hope you have a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Water Damaged Carpet: 3 Indications Where Replacement is Necessary

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fast responding water damage services!

Water can cause severe damage to carpeting.

It is proven that water damage can lead to mold and other bacteria growth, but it can also damage furniture, flooring, and other belongings. One of the most commonly damaged items from water damage is the carpet. In some cases, water restorers can repair water-damaged carpets, but other times, they will need replacing.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are happy to share information gathered through their years of experience and training. Therefore, in the following blog post, we will share three indications that your water-damaged carpet may need replacing.

What is water damage?

Before discussing when a water-damaged carpet may need replacing, it is essential to understand what constitutes water damage and how it can occur. Water damage can happen in several different ways, including:

• Heavy rain or natural disasters
• Plumbing issues, such as loose pipes or clogged drains
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Sewage backup or septic tank problems

The severity of water damage depends on the amount and type of water, how long the carpet sits in water, and other factors. Therefore, it is essential to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.

The three indications where replacement is necessary

In the restoration industry, there are three classes of water damage (I, II, III), and two of these water damage classes require replacing.

1) The first indication that your water-damaged carpet requires replacing is if it has been affected by class II water damage. Class II refers to water containing some contaminants that saturate the carpet, making it difficult to dry and repair. If your carpet has been affected by class II water damage, it will likely need replacing.

2) The second indication that carpet with water damage may need replacing is if the damage has reached class III, also known as sewage water. Sewage water is classified as category III water damage and can cause severe problems if not properly cleaned and disinfected.

3) The last and final indication that carpeting with water damage may need replacing is if there is mold growth on or under the carpet. Water sitting for an extended period can cause mold to grow, and if this is the case, the carpet will need replacing.

When does water-damaged carpeting not have to be replaced?

Above, we discussed class II and III water damage and how they may require the replacement of your water-damaged carpet. So when does water-damaged carpeting not have to be replaced?

The answer is that it depends on the severity of the damage. For example, Class I water damage is damage caused by clean water and typically causes minimal problems. Class, I water damage is often easily repaired unless it is allowed to sit for an extended period.

Will water-damaged carpet dry on its own?

When there is water damage to the carpet, it will not dry on its own and must be cleaned and dried as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Hiring professional water restoration services is the proper way to dry water-damaged carpeting. The appropriate team of professionals will have the tools and experience necessary to clean and restore your water-damaged carpet properly.

Wrapping up

We hope that this post has helped you understand the three main indications that water-damaged carpeting requires replacing. If your carpet has been affected by water damage, it is essential to seek water restoration services as soon as possible. To learn more about water-damaged carpets and how they can be restored or replaced, contact the experts at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek.

Our team of professionals has gone through extensive training by the IICRC and has years of experience in restoring water-damaged carpets. We are here to help, so do not hesitate to contact us today for more information!

3 Reasons Why Air Duct Cleaning Is Important After Mold Removal

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO when there is mold in your air duct system!

Mold spores travel through the air, so getting your air ducts cleaned after mold remediation is important.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have completed hundreds of mold remediation jobs. When we perform a mold removal job, our goal is to ensure the home or business is at its preloss condition upon completion. Therefore, air duct cleaning is commonly recommended to ensure that the home get's back to its preloss condition.

We put together the following blog post for property owners who have recently had mold removal performed on their property and want to ensure that they are not affected again. Today, you will learn about the three main reasons we recommend having your air ducts cleaned after mold removal.

What is an air duct cleaning?

An air duct cleaning is a process in which all of the dust, dirt, and mold spores are removed from your air ducts. Air duct cleaning will help improve your indoor air quality and keep your home or business safe from contaminants.

Two ways to tell if mold is present in the HVAC ducts?

If you are concerned that mold may be present in your HVAC ducts, there are two ways to tell without detailed testing:

1. One way is to inspect the insulation around the ducts for signs of water damage or mold growth. 
2. Another way to tell if mold is present in your air ducts is to check for musty odors coming from the vents. 

If you notice any visual signs of mold or smell musty odors, it is important to contact a professional like SERVPRO for air duct cleaning services.

The three reasons why air duct cleaning is recommended after the mold removal process?

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek always recommends air duct cleaning after mold removal for three main reasons:

1. To remove all mold spores from your home or business

Mold spores can travel through the air and enter your home or business through your ventilation system. If you do not have your air ducts cleaned after mold removal, you run the risk of mold spores entering your home or business and causing new growth.

2. To improve your indoor air quality

When mold spores are removed from your air ducts, it will help improve your indoor air quality. The professionals at SERVPRO measure air quality before and after mold removal to ensure that the job is done correctly.

3. To prevent future growth

If you have your air ducts cleaned after mold removal, it will help prevent future mold growth. The professionals at SERVPRO use a high-powered vacuum to remove all of the dust, dirt, and mold spores from your air ducts. 

How can the professionals at SERVPRO help?

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have received training from the IICRC in mold removal and air duct cleaning. We have the experience and training to handle any size job. When you call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, we will walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have.

We understand that mold removal can be a stressful time for property owners. Our goal is to ensure that your home or business is returned to its preloss condition.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning why air duct cleaning is recommended as part of our mold removal process. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are always here to help with your mold removal needs. We understand the importance of having your air ducts cleaned after mold removal, and we are dedicated to helping you get your home or business back to its preloss condition.

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions about our services! We are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to help!

What to Do If a Water Heater Bursts: Causes and Prevention Tips

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for the fastest water damage response times in Ohio!

Did you know that about 10% of our water damage calls are related to burst water heaters?

All property owners know that a water heater is a costly investment, and it's essential to take care of it to help it last as long as possible. The average lifespan of a hot water heater depends on if it is gas or electric.

An electric hot water heater will last anywhere from ten to fifteen years, while a gas hot water heater will last roughly eight to twelve years. Of course, with proper maintenance, your water heater can last even longer. However, sometimes water heaters just break down and need to be replaced.

One of the most unfortunate things to occur in a home is when a water heaters bursts, which can happen at any time and will likely cause severe water damage to your home.

If your water heater bursts, you may not know what to do, but don't worry! This blog post will go over the causes of water heater bursts and prevention tips to help keep your home safe.

3 Causes of a burst hot water heater

There are many different reasons that a water heater can burst, but here are three of the most common causes:

1. Sediment build-up: Sediment build-up can cause a water heater to burst because it puts stress on the tank. As water is heated and then cooled, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sediment build-up can cause the water heater tank to crack or even burst.
2. Corrosion: Corrosion can cause a water heater to burst because it weakens the tank. Over time, the metal in the tank will start to corrode due to exposure to water and oxygen. Corrosion can cause the tank to become structurally weak and eventually lead to a rupture.
3. Excess internal pressure: Too much internal pressure can cause a water heater to burst. Excess pressure can happen when the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is not working correctly or the tank is too full. When there is too much pressure in the tank, it can cause the tank to rupture.

3 Prevention tips

Now that we know some of the causes of a water heater bursting, let's go over some prevention tips:

1. Drain the tank regularly: Draining the tank helps to remove sediment build-up. We recommend draining your water heater tank at least once a year. You can do this by attaching a hose to the drain valve and draining the water into a bucket or drain.
2. Check the T&P valve: The T&P valve is a safety feature that releases pressure and prevents the tank from bursting. It's important to check this valve regularly to ensure it is working correctly. You can check the valve by lifting up the handle to see if water comes out. If water does not come out, the valve needs to be replaced.
3. Don't overfill the tank: Be sure not to overfill the tank beyond the manufacturer's recommended level; it could cause excess pressure and make the tank more likely to burst if you do.

What to do if your water heater bursts?

If your water heater bursts, it's essential to know what to do. The following is what the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek recommend:

Shut off the water: The first thing you need to do is shut off the water to the tank. Shutting off the water will help to prevent any further water damage.

Turn off the power: If the water heater is electric, be sure to turn off the power at the breaker box. If it is gas, then turn off the gas supply.

Drain the tank: Once the water and power are shut off, you can start to drain the tank. Attach a hose to the drain valve and open it up. Drain the water into a bucket or drain.

Call a water restoration company: Once the water is drained, it's time to call a water restoration company for help. The right company will be able to clean and repair any water damage.

Final thoughts

We hope you found this blog post on water heaters helpful. If you have any questions or need water damage restoration services, please contact us immediately! 

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are highly trained and certified by the IICRC in water damage restoration. We have the experience and knowledge to get your home or business back to pre-water damage condition. We understand that water damage can be stressful; that's why we will work with you to make the process as smooth as possible.

Spring Showers: 5 Tips to Avoid Water Damage to Your Property

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for emergency storm damage services!

Spring showers bring May flowers, but they can also cause water damage to your property if you're not careful.

It's that time of year again: the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the rain is pouring. Spring showers can be beautiful, but they can also cause severe damage if you're not prepared.

As the spring showers start to come in, it's time to start thinking about how to avoid water damage to your property. Spring is a time when the weather can be very unpredictable, so it's essential to take some precautions to protect your home or business.

This blog post will discuss five tips that will help you avoid water damage during the spring months. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to protect your property from the damaging effects of spring showers!

The risks associated with water damage

Water damage can cause several severe problems in your home or business. Some of the risks associated with water damage include:

• Foundation damage
• Basement floods
• Mold and mildew growth
• Electrical system damage
• Structural damage

If you experience water damage after a spring shower, it's essential to take steps to address the problem as soon as possible. The longer you wait to address the issue, the worse the damage will become.

5 Tips to avoid water damage during spring showers

Now that we've discussed some of the risks associated with spring showers, let's talk about avoiding water damage.

Here are five tips that will help you keep your property safe from water damage:

1. Inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly

One of the best ways to avoid water damage is to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and in good working condition. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and pool around your foundation, leading to severe damage.

2. Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Another way to avoid water damage is to keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you know that a spring storm is coming, take steps to protect your property in advance.

3. Move all valuables to higher ground

If you live in an area prone to spring floods, make sure to move any valuables to higher ground in advance. Placing items even a foot above ground level will help protect your belongings from water damage.

4. Create a barrier around your property

If you live in an area prone to spring flooding, you may want to consider creating a barrier around your property. This barrier can consist of sandbags or other materials that will help to keep water away from your home or business.

5. Call a professional when you experience water damage

If you experience water damage, it's essential to call a professional as soon as possible. A professional water restoration company can help to assess the damage and take steps to repair it.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful. Water damage can be a severe problem, but it's one that you can avoid when prepared. Following the tips mentioned in this blog post will help you avoid water damage during spring showers. However, if you do experience water damage, it's essential to call a professional as soon as possible to help repair the damage.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is an IICRC certified firm that understands the importance of proper water damage restoration. Our certified technicians are available 24/7 to help you with any water damage emergency.

The team at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is always here to help when you experience water damage. Contact us today, and we'll be on our way to help you restore your home or business!

Have Apartment Odor? Take These 5 Effective Steps

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO can help you remove the most intense odors!

No one enjoys living in a smelly apartment complex.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek understand the importance of having a clean and fresh-smelling apartment. Therefore, we offer comprehensive apartment odor removal services to eliminate even the most pungent smells.

The SERVPRO professionals understand that living in a clean and fresh-smelling apartment is something that many of us take for granted. But, the truth is that it's not always easy to maintain a pleasant scent in our living spaces. There are many factors that can impact how your apartment smells. If you're looking to get rid of an unpleasant smell in your apartment, follow the five effective steps mentioned in this blog post. 

The common causes of apartment odors

One of the main reasons apartments can start to smell unpleasant is the common causes of apartment odors. Some of these causes include: 

• Fire damage
• Decaying food
• Decaying animals
• Cigarette smoke
• Pets
• Cooking

If your apartment is starting to smell like one of these things, it's time to take some action and remove the odor.

The five steps in getting rid of apartment odors

Now that you know some of the common causes of apartment odors, it's time to learn about the five apartment odor removal steps.

1. Identify the source of the smell.

The first step in getting rid of any odor is understanding the source of the odor. Once you know what's causing the smell, you can take the necessary action to eliminate it.

2. Ventilate your apartment.

One of the most effective ways to get rid of an apartment odor is to ventilate it properly. One of the simplest ways to get rid of a bad smell is to let some fresh air into your apartment. Crack open a few windows and doors to allow the fresh breeze to circulate through your space. Ventilation will help to clear out any stale air and offensive smells.

3. Clean your apartment.

An excellent way to eliminate any odor is to clean your apartment. Make sure to sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors regularly. Cleaning will help remove any dirt, dust, and debris that may be causing the smell.

4. Dispose of any smelly items.

If you have any smelly items in your apartment, it's best to get rid of them. Common everyday smelly items include dirty laundry, old food, and trash. In short, make sure to take out the garbage regularly and keep your apartment clean and organized.

5. Contact a professional for help.

If you're struggling to get rid of an apartment odor, it's best to contact a team of professionals. The right team of professionals will have the experience and expertise to eliminate any odor. 

Why should you contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for apartment odor removal services?

If you're looking for a team of professionals who can help you get rid of an apartment odor, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a perfect choice. The apartment odor professionals have the knowledge and experience to locate and eliminate any odor. 

SERVPRO uses the latest and most effective technologies to clear out any offending smells. In more severe cases, SERVPRO professionals treat tough apartment odors with an ozone treatment. Ozone treatment is a process that uses ozone gas (O3) to eliminate any odor. 

Wrapping up

We hope you found this blog post helpful in getting rid of any unpleasant apartment smells. If you're looking for the best team to help you get rid of an apartment odor, contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek today!

We offer comprehensive odor removal services to eliminate even the most pungent smells. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and we're always here to help.

Please feel free to contact our 24/7 support staff for any questions or emergency services.

5 Most Common Causes of an Electrical Fire: What to Look Out For

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO when your property suffers from an electrical fire.

Did you know that electrical fires are one of the leading causes of property damage in the United States?

On average, electrical fires account for more than $1.5 billion in damages each year. That's why it's essential to be aware of the five most common causes of electrical fires, so you can take steps to prevent them from happening in your home or office.

Like most people, you probably don't think about electrical fires until it's too late. And by then, it's often too late to do anything about them. This blog post will look at the five most common causes of electrical fires and what you can do to prevent them.

We'll also discuss why calling SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for fire restoration services is the best decision you can make if your Dayton property suffers an electrical fire.

What is an Electrical Fire

An electrical fire is a type of fire that may cause severe property damage. Electrical fires can occur in any building, including homes and office buildings, and at any time. The professionals at SERVPRO have seen homes wholly burned to the ground from electrical fires. To truly understand electrical fires, it is essential to know their causes.

The five leading causes of electrical fires

According to our list of fire restoration call data, there are five leading causes of electrical fires in homes:

1. Overloaded circuits
2. Faulty wiring
3. Using ungrounded outlets
4. Defective appliances
5. Improper use of extension cords

Overloaded circuits

Overloaded circuits are one of the most common causes of electrical fires. When too many appliances or devices are plugged into a single outlet, it can cause an overload that may lead to a fire. It would be best to use surge protectors for all your electronics to prevent this from happening and never plug more than two devices into a single outlet.

Faulty wiring

Faulty wiring is another leading cause of electrical fires. Homes over 30 years old are especially at risk, as they may have outdated or damaged wiring. If you live in an older home, it's essential to have your wiring checked by a licensed electrician.

Using ungrounded outlets

Ungrounded outlets are another common cause of electrical fires. These outlets are not properly grounded and can cause an electrical fire. Always use grounded outlets when plugging in appliances or devices to prevent this from happening.

Defective appliances

Defective appliances are another leading cause of electrical fires. If an appliance is not working correctly, it can overheat and start a fire. To prevent this from happening, always check your appliances for signs of wear and tear, and never use them if they seem defective.

Improper use of extension cords

Extension cords are standard in many homes and offices, but they can also be a fire hazard if misused. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it pairs appropriately with the appliance or device. Also, never use more than one extension cord per outlet, and always unplug them when you're not using them.

Handling an electrical fire

When you have an electrical fire, it's essential to handle it promptly and safely. If possible, the first thing you should do is unplug all appliances and devices from the outlet. Then, call your local fire department. Once the fire is out, you'll need to call a professional fire restoration company like SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek to assess the damage and begin the restoration process.

Why Choose SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek?

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a professional fire restoration company with years of experience restoring properties that electrical fires have damaged. We understand the unique challenges of fire damage, and we have the knowledge and expertise to get your property back to its pre-fire condition.

We're also a locally owned and operated company, so we're familiar with the Dayton area and local homeowners and businesses owners. We're here to help you recover from an electrical fire, and we'll work diligently to restore your property to its pre-fire condition.

Please get in touch with us today to learn more about our fire restoration services and how we can help you combat an electrical fire.

Restaurant Water Damage: The #1 Team to Restore Your Restaurant

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO if you find water spots on your restaurant ceiling!

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is available 24/7 for restaurant water damage restoration. 

Restaurant water damage can happen for several reasons. For example, a faulty dishwasher, a broken pipe, or even just an overflowed sink can quickly result in extensive damage to your restaurant.

Did you know that untreated water damage is known to cause severe structural damage and create an environment where unwanted mold can grow? Therefore, if your restaurant has been damaged by water, it's essential to act quickly. Water damage can lead to the closing of your restaurant. That's why it's crucial to contact a professional restoration team as soon as possible.

If you have experienced restaurant water damage, you can rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. We specialize in restaurant water damage restoration and can make your restaurant safe and sanitary again!

The following blog post will go over how restaurants can prevent water damage and what to do if it does happen. So without further ado, let's get started!

Signs of restaurant water damage

Business owners should look out for distinct signs of water damage in their restaurants. While some of these signs may be obvious, others can be more subtle. If you notice any of the five following water damage signs, it's crucial to take action and contact a professional restoration team:

1. Water stains on the ceiling or walls
2. Mold growth
3. Damp carpet
4. Soggy drywall
5. Water dripping from the ceiling

Preventing restaurant water damage

To understand how to prevent water damage in a restaurant, you must first understand how water damage can occur. Water damage in a restaurant can come from many sources, such as:

• A broken or leaky dishwasher
• A broken water pipe
• An overflowed sink
• A roof leak

Now that you are aware of the sources, there are several ways to prevent water damage in your restaurant. The best way to avoid water damage is to inspect your restaurant for any potential water damage risks regularly. Here are some other tips to prevent restaurant water damage:

• Regularly check dishwashers, pipes, and sinks for any leaks or cracks
• Fix any roof leaks immediately
• Never leave sinks or dishwashers unattended while in use
• Turn off all water sources when your restaurant is closed

If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the risk of water damage in your restaurant.

What to do when water damage occurs

As we have mentioned before, it's essential to take action quickly when water damage occurs. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will be. So here are some steps to take if water damage occurs:

Turn off the water source - If the water damage is from a broken pipe, turn off the main water valve. If the damage is from a dishwasher or sink, turn off the water at the source.

Call a professional restoration company - A professional restoration company can help mitigate the damage and prevent further damage from occurring.

Remove any standing water - Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water.

Remove any wet items - Remove any wet carpet, rugs, or furniture from the affected area. These items can absorb water and will only damage further if left wet.

Dry the area - Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area as quickly as possible. Ensuring that the restaurant is dry will help prevent further damage. 

By following these steps, your restaurant will be up and running quickly, and you will prevent further damage from occurring.

Wrapping up 

We hope you never have to experience water damage in your restaurant, but we are here to help if you do. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is the leading water damage restoration company in Dayton, Ohio. We are an IICRC certified firm and have the experience and expertise to restore your restaurant to its pre-damaged state quickly and efficiently. So contact us today for all your restaurant water damage needs!

5 Tips to Prevent Oven Fires & Keep Your Kitchen Safe

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

A dirty oven is more likely to catch fire!

An oven fire can cause thousands of dollars worth of fire damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek know all about fire damage and the claim process that comes along with it. They also know that the most common location for fire damage in a residential property is in the kitchen.

Restoring a property after a kitchen fire is no cakewalk, and the number one best way to protect your property from potential fire hazards is through prevention. So to help you avoid a headache down the line, we have put together the following blog post to discuss five tips to help prevent oven fires from happening in your kitchen. By the end of this post, you will know how to keep your kitchen safe and avoid a potentially disastrous oven fire. So let's get this post underway!

What is an oven fire?

An oven fire is an uncontrolled fire that occurs in the oven. Oven fires can cause extensive damage to your property. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of the causes of oven fires so that you can take precautions and avoid disaster.

What are the common causes of oven fires?

Several different things can cause an oven fire. Some of the most common causes include cooking too oily foods, not using the correct baking temperature, and leaving food in the oven for too long. Additionally, these items should never go in the oven.

Preventing an oven fire

We are about to go over five tips to prevent an oven fire from happening in your kitchen. By following these tips, you can help keep your home and kitchen safe!

Tip 1: Using the proper cooking temperature

When baking foods in an oven, it's essential to use the correct cooking temperature. For example, if you're baking something that requires a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, don't turn the temperature dial up to speed up the cooking time.

Tip 2: Only cook in a clean oven

Another common way to prevent an oven fire is by making sure that your oven is clean. Over time, things like spilled food can start to collect at the bottom of the oven. An oven fire is likely to catch on these food particles; therefore, you should always clean your oven after each use.  

Tip 3: Keep a close watch while cooking

When you're cooking in the oven it's essential that you do not leave the oven unattended. Paying close attention is an easy way to prevent an oven fire from happening because if something starts to burn or smoke, you can put out the fire quickly before it becomes any larger.

Tip 4: Cover food that might splatter

Another way to prevent an oven fire is by covering food that might splatter in the oven with foil or a lid.

Tip 5: Never use a malfunctioning oven

If an oven is not working correctly, do not use it. Cooking with a broken oven can be a way to start an oven fire accidentally. 

What to do after your kitchen has fire damage?

You may be reading this blog post because you have recently had an oven fire in your kitchen; if this is the case, it's essential to have a fire restoration professional come out and estimate the damage in your home. 

Contacting the SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek professionals is a great way to restore your property quickly. After receiving your call, a SERVPRO professional will come out and inspect any fire damage and provide you with a restoration estimate. Once you approve the estimate, the SERVPRO team will restore your property to its prior condition. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. These IICRC certified professionals know how to combat fire damage, remove any smoke damage that might have occurred, and restore your property to its original state before the fire took place. 

Please contact us today for more information!

The Top 3 Causes of Hotel Water Damage

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for superb water restoration services!

Hotel water damage will affect hotel owners and guests.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek know that disasters can strike at any moment's notice and the most common type of disaster that strikes hotels is water damage. 

When most people think of hotel water damage, they usually imagine a pipe bursting and flooding the entire hotel. While this is undoubtedly one common type of water damage, it's by no means the only one. There are several causes of hotel water damage that business owners need to be aware of. This blog post will discuss the top three causes of hotel water damage and how the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can help!

Detecting hotel water damage

Detecting hotel water damage can be a daunting task. Many factors can contribute to the damage, such as weather conditions and plumbing failures. However, there are some telltale signs that hotel owners can look for to detect water damage.

One of the most common signs of hotel water damage is wet contents. Wet contents can signify that water is seeping through the walls or ceilings. Another common sign is water stains on the walls or ceilings. If you see any of these signs, it's essential to investigate further with a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. SERVPRO has invested in state-of-the-art equipment to detect water damage.

The top 3 causes

There are many potential causes of hotel water damage, but some are more common than others. The three most common causes of hotel water damage are:

1. Roof leaks
2. Plumbing failures
3. Sprinkler head malfunctions

Roof leaks are a common problem in hotels, especially during rainstorms. If the roof is not sealed correctly or the drainage system is not working correctly, water can leak into the hotel and cause extensive damage to the ceilings, walls, and floors.

Plumbing failures are another common cause of hotel water damage. For example, if a pipe bursts or the water pressure is too high, it can cause a lot of damage to the hotel's interior.

Sprinkler head malfunctions are also a common cause of hotel water damage. When hotel guests do not follow hotel safety guidelines, like keeping items away from sprinkler heads, the hotel's sprinkler systems may accidentally be set off. If this happens, hotel owners will have to quickly restore any damage to the hotel's interior.

How can hotel water damage be prevented?

One of the best ways to prevent hotel water damage is having a hotel disaster plan. Hotels should have a plan for dealing with water damage, and they should also have a contact for a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek.

In addition, hotel owners can take some simple precautions to prevent water damage from happening. For example, they can ensure that the roof is sealed correctly and that the drainage system is working correctly. They can also ensure that all plumbing fixtures are in good condition and that the water pressure is within safe limits.

How SERVPRO can help

When it comes to water damage in a hotel, hotel owners will have a lot on their plate while navigating the disaster. They will have to prioritize the health and well-being of their guests and employees, all while worrying about extensive repairs.

Therefore, when your hotel is struck by water damage, it's essential to contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. Our team of IICRC certified professionals has extensive experience restoring hotels after a water damage disaster. We will work quickly to assess the damage and begin the restoration process. We will also work with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum claim benefit.

If you're looking for help after a hotel water damage disaster, don't hesitate to contact us. We're available to help 24/7, 365 days a year!

The Characteristics of The 3 Types of Asbestos

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to help identify the type of asbestos in your property.

Asbestos comes in three types which are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.

If you're like most people, you probably aren't aware that asbestos can be found in many buildings throughout Ohio. Until 1989, it was used in construction materials due to its resistance to high temperatures while also being considered inexpensive.

There are three types of asbestos commonly found in residential or commercial buildings. In this blog post, we will discuss the characteristics of each type of asbestos so that you can be more aware of what to look for and how to be safe from unwanted exposure!

What is asbestos, and where can it be found?

Asbestos Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals made of thin, microscopic fibers. These microscopic fibers can be loosely woven and still be very strong. Asbestos materials cannot be easily crushed or damaged, causing many construction professionals to use asbestos in different building materials. While asbestos doesn't conduct electricity and isn't radioactive, the fibers are resistant to fire, heat, and corrosion.

Asbestos is still found in most commercial and residential buildings built or renovated before 1989. Because of the high resistance to heat, asbestos was often used in fireproof building materials like insulation, ceiling tiles, walls, floors, cement, pipes, boiler insulation, roof shingles, heating furnace filters, and various other building supplies.

In some of the older homes and commercial buildings in Ohio, you can find all three types of asbestos:

1. Chrysotile
2. Amosite
3. Crocidolite

Characteristics of chrysotile

Chrysotile is the most commonly found type of asbestos throughout the United States. It was prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s and used for roofing materials, flooring materials, insulation, ceilings, and walls. It appears as a white, curly material that ranges from soft to stiff.

Characteristics of amosite

Amosite asbestos is another type of asbestos that's commonly found in the United States. It appears as brittle, shiny, needle-like fibers or as bundles of fibers with an orange or brown color. However, when this form of asbestos is crushed into a fibers sheet form, it appears black. Construction professionals used the amosite type of asbestos in cement sheets, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and many other insulation products back in the day.

Characteristics of crocidolite

Crocidolite asbestos is less commonly found, but it will appear more frequently in industrial properties. It appears as dark blue or green fibers that are extremely thin and straight with sharp ends; it looks almost like a horse's tail! Crocidolite was commonly used in spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, and cement products. 

What to do when you find asbestos?

If you suspect that asbestos is present in your property, it is essential not to touch any materials without testing the questionable material first. In addition, when handling asbestos, you should always wear protective gear, including coveralls, gloves, safety glasses or goggles covering eyes and mouth, and disposable respirators to prevent inhalation.

Testing for asbestos should always be performed by a certified environmental consultant who knows the EPA regulations.

If the results come back positive for asbestos in your home or commercial building, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek can help!

Wrapping up

The professionals at SERVPRO know that still, asbestos appears in many homes and commercial buildings throughout Ohio, including Dayton. The three types of asbestos have unique characteristics and are easily identified with suitable instruments.

If you think asbestos may be present in your home or commercial building, call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. Our certified professionals are trained to identify and remove asbestos safely!

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is independently owned and operated. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to respond to your restoration emergencies.

5 Great Steps to Handle Winter Storm Damages

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the storm damage cleaning professionals at SERVPRO for superb services!

The winter storm damage cleanup can be long and arduous without professional help.

Winter storms can cause a lot of damage to residential and commercial properties. The professionals at SERVPRO have seen high winds, snow, and ice can all wreak havoc on Dayton homes and businesses every year. Suppose you are unfortunate enough to experience winter storm damage this winter season; in that case, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your property and get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

This blog post will discuss five steps that a property owner should take when experiencing winter storm damage. These five steps will help anyone handle the winter storm damage situation as smoothly as possible.

Winter storm damage can cause the following types of property damage:

• Water damage: Flooding can occur when ice dams and snow accumulate, block storm drainage paths, and overflow onto your property. If flooding results from winter storm damage, the best thing you can do is remove standing water as quickly as possible before it can cause further damage.
• Wind damage: High winds associated with winter storms can easily take down trees and limbs. The debris from these trees and limbs can damage the storm gutters, roofing system, windows, siding, or shingles.

If you're unlucky enough to experience these two typical winter storm damages to your property, don't worry! We've put together five steps to help you handle the situation as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Ensure safety

Safety is an essential part of the winter storm damage cleanup. Therefore, ensure your safety and the safety of your family members before doing anything else.

Winter storms can cause trees and branches to fall, which puts anyone in its path at risk. Please stay away from damaged or broken power lines, and report them immediately to your power company. Lastly, if there is any danger of the structure collapsing, make sure to evacuate the area.

Step 2: Turn off electricity and water sources

If winter storm damage occurs to your home, make sure to turn off electric or water sources before making any repairs. If you are not familiar with how to shut off electricity or water sources, then call an electrician and plumber.

Step 3: Assess the damage

The third step is to assess the damage. Make a list of all the damage that has been done and take pictures or videos of the damage. Documenting the damages will help you file a claim with your insurance company.

Step 4: Contact your insurance company

The fourth step is to file a claim with the insurance company as soon as possible after winter storm damage occurs. A property owner will want to contact their insurer as quickly as possible to begin repairing the damages. Be sure to keep all receipts and repair estimates as you will need this information to help with your claim.

Step 5: Contact a trusted restoration contractor.

It will be worth contacting a trusted restoration contractor to help with repairs. They can help you make a plan for winter storm damage cleanup and even give you a restoration estimate on the costs of repairing winter storm damage.

Final thoughts

We hope this blog post has helped answer any questions about winter storm damage. We are currently in the winter storm season, so be sure to keep these tips in mind until spring comes around!

Please get in touch with the team at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for any winter storm damage cleanup and restoration services! Our crews are local and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to assist with winter storm damage cleanup.

5 Signs Your Building Has a Flat Roof Leak

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for emergency water restoration services!

A flat roof leak can negatively affect any commercial structure.

If you're like most business owners, you probably don't think about your roof until there's a problem. And where there is a problem, it is rarely a small one. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek have seen small leaks turn into significant issues when not fixed right away. The most common problems include:

• Commercial water damage
• Commercial mold growth
• Structural issues

The question remains, how do you know if your building has a flat roof leak? In the following blog post, we will go over the five signs to look for regarding flat roof leaks. So, let's get started!

1. Water stains on the ceiling

Water stains are one of the most telling signs of a flat roof leak. Water restoration professionals know when water gets into your building, it will tend to pool at the lowest point. Meaning, if your roof is leaking, water will collect right below the source of the problem. That is why you should always check your ceiling for water stains - if they are present, there's a good chance that you have a flat roof leak.

2. Peeling paint

Peeling paint is another common sign of a flat roof leak. When water from rain or melting snow has been trickling down the walls, you will find that the paint has begun to peel; it can be a sign of a roof leak. Although, if you notice peeling paint in only one area, it might just be due to poor ventilation.

3. A sagging roof

If you have noticed your flat roof is sagging in one or more areas, it's a sign that your roof is leaking or that there is water damage. Flat roofs are not very sturdy once they've begun to sag.

4. Mold growth

If you begin to notice mold growth in your building, that can signify an issue with the roof. Mold growth can occur when water leaks into the building without being professionally restored for long periods.

5. Interior water damage

If you notice that one or more areas of the flooring in your building have been damaged by water, this could be due to several causes. However, if you notice that the flooring has been damaged in only one area, it could mean that your flat roof is leaking.

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. We'll help restore and repair your building so you can focus on what's important: running your business!

Three tips to prevent a flat roof leak

If you're looking to prevent a flat roof leak, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1) Keep any vegetation away from the roof.

Trees and other plants growing too close to the roof can cause damage to the roof systems.

2) Keep your roof clean

Keeping your roof clean is another way to prevent leaks. If there is debris or leaves on your roof, that can cause water to pool up and leak into the building. It is also essential to check your gutters regularly. If gutters are clogged with debris, they can't work properly, and water will back up onto the roof.

3) Check your flashing

Another important step in preventing a flat roof leak is checking the flashing on your roof. This metal band at the edge of your roof can be very vulnerable to rusting, which increases the risk of leaks. When inspecting your roof, take some time to look for any signs of rust.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about flat roof leaks today. Remember that a flat roof leak can cause a lot of damage, but not if you catch it early. When you catch a flat roof leak early on, you will prevent it from doing severe damage to your business.

Please contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek if you find any of the five signs listed above.

SERVPRO of East Dayton is independently owned and operated with the resources to handle water damage, mold removal, asbestos abatement, and fire/smoke restoration. Our professional teams are IICRC certified and are available 24 hours, 365 days a year for emergency services.

5 Hotel Disaster Preparedness Tips For Dayton Hotel Owners & Managers

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are always prepared for disasters!

A hotel disaster plan will ensure that everyone is prepared for a disaster at all times!

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek have seen hotel disasters happen in so many different ways without any notice. Therefore, hotel disaster preparedness is crucial for hotel owners and managers.

Some will argue that it's impossible to be fully prepared for every possible scenario. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the impact of disasters on your Dayton hotel. In the following blog post, we will share some of our best tips on how you can limit distress with five tips from our hotel disaster plan.

What to prepare for?

When it comes to hotel disasters, the sky's the limit. Hotel disasters can affect different parts of the hotel in various ways. Although, the most common type of hotel disaster we see in Dayton, Ohio, involves water damage.

Common causes of hotel water damage:

• Pipe bursts
• Sink overflows
• Roof leaks
• Air conditioner malfunction
• Toilet backflow
• Washing machine overflow  

What is included in a hotel disaster plan?

A SERVPRO hotel disaster plan falls under our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) umbrella. An ERP is a free tailored plan covering a specific hotel's critical functions and infrastructure and its particular needs when a disaster strikes.

5 tips for hotel disaster preparedness

Tip 1) Determine risks. 

The first tip in creating a hotel disaster plan is determining the risk of different kinds of disasters. A risk assessment will determine the most likely cause of a disaster and the potential consequences.

You must conduct your risk assessment regularly, as new risks may appear over time.

Tip 2) Have a list of essential contacts. 

No matter what happens to the property, there must be a digital list of all important contacts. Hotel staff should have the following contact information available at all times: 

• Hotel utility suppliers (i.e., water, electricity) 
• Hotel staff (i.e., housekeeping, maintenance) 
• Hotel insurance company 
• Hotel owner/managers

Tip 3) Know where all main shut-off valves are located. 

There may be a malfunction that causes the sprinkler system to release gallons of water. If this is the case, it is essential to shut this system down before it causes more damage. 

Managers and key staff members must know how to quickly locate all the main shut-off valves in the hotel in case of an emergency. 

Tip 4) Building access information. 

During a disaster, there will be an influx of first responders and other hotel staff entering and leaving the hotel. Therefore, hotel managers should ensure that all parties know the building access information, including where to enter and where to park their vehicles.

Tip 5) Contact the right team of professionals. 

Once a disaster strikes a hotel, it is essential to have the right team of restoration professionals to take care of your Dayton hotel disaster. The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to provide an initial assessment of the situation and determine what is needed to get your property up and running again.

The team of restoration professionals at SERVPRO knows how to quickly establish the proper protocols, procedures, and workflows needed to start restoring your hotel.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about our hotel disaster plan tips. Hotel disasters can strike at any time, and if you take suitable precautions and enlist the help of professionals like those at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, then you can keep your guests safe and comfortable during a hotel disaster.

There's simply no substitute for having an expert in your corner when it comes to hotel disaster preparedness. Whether you need a complete plan of action or just some advice on how to start, SERVPRO is here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Please contact us today for a free Emergency Ready Profile.

Siding Storm Damage: The #1 Guide In Dealing With Siding Damage

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for seamless siding storm damage repairs!

Siding damage is typical after a heavy storm passes through Dayton, Ohio.

Siding is an aspect of construction that has undergone a revolution in the last few decades. As a result, siding materials are different, installation methods have changed, weather resistance has improved, and even siding styles have adapted to the times. For homeowners, this means better protection against storms, heat buildup, and moisture accumulation, among other potentially damaging factors.

Although siding damage technology has improved, siding storm damage can still occur. Depending on the extent of siding damages after a storm event, there are several ways homeowners can go about fixing their siding storm damage. The following blog post will cover the different types of siding storm damage and steps for repairing and restoring siding.

5 Steps in responding to siding storm damage

Here in the greater Dayton, Ohio area, there are three common types of siding storm damage:

1. Wind damage
2. Hail damage
3. Rain/moisture damage

No matter the cause of the damaged siding, it's essential to adhere to the following steps to prevent further damages:

Step 1: Assess the damage

Anytime siding is damaged, you need to understand the extent of siding storm damage. After the storm has passed, a property owner will want to assess the extent of the damage and take pictures for insurance claim purposes. Common signs of siding storm damage include:

• Missing or broken siding panels
• Cracked, warped, or split siding
• Damaged flashing and trim
• Home water infiltration

Step 2: Review your coverage

After assessing the siding storm damage, take time to review your property insurance coverage. The last thing you want is to file a claim and have it not covered by the insurance policy. However, it is likely that a total replacement covered by the insurance company will occur, even if only a portion of the siding was damaged.

Step 3: Choose the right contractor.

Many contractors and companies will want to help with property damage repairs. Choosing the right contractor may be tricky, but you will want to ensure that the company you choose knows how to develop a restoration insurance estimate. Unfortunately, not all contractors know how to handle siding storm damage insurance claims!

Step 4: File an insurance claim

After choosing the right restoration contractor, you can then move forward and file a siding insurance claim. The property claims adjuster will review and analyze the siding insurance claim and estimate. As a property owner, you may not have to do much during this step because the right restoration contractor will mediate between you and the property insurance company.

Step 5: Create a future prevention plan

You will want to create a storm damage prevention plan after the storm damage is repaired and the siding is back to its preloss condition. A storm damage prevention plan will allow you to become proactive when severe weather conditions come into the area. A storm damage prevention plan should include:

• Removing dead tree limbs that are close to the property.
• Clearing gutters of debris every few months.

SERVPRO is the #1 best siding storm damage company

Depending on the severity of the siding storm damage, siding may need to be eradicated to mount a total replacement. However, that is not an issue for the professionals here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. Our professionals are capable of handling any extent of siding storm damage. We have a long history of experience in dealing with siding damage, and our team knows how to properly restore siding to its original condition, all while coordinating with your insurance company. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a leading restoration contractor serving Dayton, Ohio, and surrounding areas. As an IICRC certified firm, we are experts in all types of property restoration claims and are available 24/7 for emergency services. If you have siding storm damage or any other kind of damage, contact us today for a consultation!

5 Great Ways To Prevent House Fires In The Winter

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO for superb services!

The winter months bring new obstacles when it comes to preventing fire damage.

As the temperatures drop, properties are prone to things like frozen pipes and house fires. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prepare your home for winter that will help ensure that disasters don’t happen to your home this winter season.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have put together the following blog post to keep you safe from home fire damage in the winter. Fire damage is known to cause tremendous damage to your home. Being proactive and making a few simple changes now can help ensure that you have a safe place for those cold winter nights ahead!

What are the causes of winter house fires?

When it comes to the winter months, our fire restoration professionals know to expect a rise in the number of fire damage claims. That is because house fires are more common in the winter due to the increased use of heating devices such as space heaters, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces.

Another major cause of winter house fires is Christmas trees. Christmas trees can become extremely dry and flammable. Pair a dry tree with lights, and you have a potential fire disaster waiting to happen. Remember that one should never place a Christmas tree near heating sources like fireplaces or space heaters.

Five winter house fire prevention tips

1) Check your smoke alarm batteries twice a year

One of the best ways to avoid house fires is by having working smoke alarms on each level of your home. We recommend you test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are correctly installed and working. 

2) Properly place space heaters

It is common for us to use space heaters during the winter months to stay warm and comfortable. The biggest threat when using space heaters is close combustible items. Just remember to keep combustibles at least three feet away from any heating source and only to plug one heater into an outlet at a time.

3) Clear the area around your fireplace before lighting

A common cause of a house fire is when people forget to clean the area around their fireplace before attempting to light it. A dirty fireplace with highly combustible materials is a fire hazard. As an additional fireplace safety measure, you can install a screen in front of your fireplace.

4) Keep combustibles away from stovetops and ovens

Keeping combustibles away from any heat source is imperative for avoiding fire damage. Some everyday items which can be combustibles in the kitchen include:

• Dry goods
• Paper towels and paper plates.
• Dishtowels
• Oven mitts

5) Have an easily accessible fire extinguisher

It’s essential to prepare for the worst. For example, having an easily accessible fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen can provide you with a sense of safety and security and increase the likelihood that you will be able to put out a fire before it causes severe damage.

Wrapping up

The winter months are beautiful, but they can also be hazardous. By taking the simple steps listed above, you will significantly decrease any risk of fire damage to your property this winter. The first step in the fight against winter fire damage is being proactive and making small changes in preparation for the upcoming winter months.

We hope you enjoyed the following blog post. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are here to help you and your family recover from fire damage. The locals of Dayton, Ohio, choose us as their primary restoration service provider because we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide immediate emergency services.

The #1 Best 3D Technology for Property Restoration Claims

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fast responding restoration services!

The professionals at SERVPRO have relied on 3D technology to help demonstrate damages done to properties for several years now.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is one of Ohio's most reputable water fire and mold restoration companies. Our professionals work on hundreds of residential and commercial property damage claims a year and are not foreign to the claims process. To streamline the claims process for our customers and adjusters, our team has adopted a state-of-the-art 3D documentation technology called Matterport. Our highly trained technicians use Matterport to document every property damage claim we start on.

The following blog post will explain what Matterport technology is and why a customer should ensure that their property is scanned by 3D technology before and after the restoration process. Make sure you read all the way through to see why Matterport is best suited for property restoration claims.

What is Matterport?

In a nutshell, Matterport is an advanced 3D technology used to scan and digitize indoor spaces. Matterport captures photos, textural information, colors, and room layouts in 3D to be displayed virtually on a computer or mobile device.

A Matterport 3D scan will enhance productivity and collaboration by enabling remote participants to join from anywhere in the world without sacrificing quality or interactivity. The Matterport system can be used for various applications, including visualization, interior design, build modeling & construction planning, property inspection & insurance claims processing.

How can Matterport be used in property restoration claims?

Matterport can assist in restoration claims by producing a virtual tour of the property both before and after repairs have been made. This process is beneficial because you will see all the damaged areas clearly from anywhere in a room or throughout an entire building.

Before 3D technology, restoration companies would have to take multiple pictures from different angles and manually place them into one cohesive file to get an accurate image of the damaged property. This process was time-consuming, laborious, and dangerous if there were hazardous materials in the area.

Property restoration claims were more likely to be denied or disputed by the insurance company before 3D technology. The most common reason for this is that they cannot deliver enough proof of damages to substantiate their claim.

Using Matterport scanning to document damages has greatly simplified the approval process because Matterport maps all of its photos to a 3D model. All you have to do is place the 3D scanner in the room to capture the damages. 

The 3D model will provide an interactive experience for the insurance adjuster to navigate throughout the building by rotating, panning, or zooming in on specific areas.

3D Matterport scans by SERVPRO

As we mentioned earlier, the professionals at SERVPRO are well-versed in the property claims process. For the past decade, 3D technology has helped us streamline the claims process and ensure quicker insurance restoration estimate approval rates. Therefore, we recommend that every customer ask around to see if the restoration company uses Matterport for restoration repairs before deciding who they hire.

The last thing we want is for your claim to be denied because your restoration company is not providing the most efficient and effective solutions to streamline the claims process.

Please contact us today to streamline your property restoration claim by providing you with Matterport scans before and after the restoration process.

For over 45 years, our professionals have been restoring homes and commercial properties to their original condition, using quality equipment and highly trained technicians. Our experts are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to your emergencies.

Skylight Leak: 5 Great Tips To Prevent A Skylight From Leaking

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for Skylight installation and leak repair!

Skylight leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage in many Dayton homes.

We are sure you've heard that a leaky skylight can cause significant water damage to your ceiling and other parts of the house, but did you know it could also lead to mold growth? However, there are some ways to prevent these issues from happening!

For a skylight to leak, something has either gone wrong with the installation or maintenance. In some cases, an improperly installed flashing is the culprit; in others, improper caulking may be at fault. Skilled professionals can identify and fix these problems before they cause leaks.

In the following blog post, we will go over ways that the professionals at SERVPRO suggest you can prevent a skylight from leaking. Our crews have had to mitigate and restore hundreds of skylight leaks, so we are glad to share this information with you.

Signs of a skylight leak

It's important to know the signs of a skylight leak. Keep an eye out for dark spots on the ceiling below your skylights, such as water stains or mold. You may also be able to hear signs of a leak, such as dripping or puddling.

If you notice any condensation or leaks around your skylight, it's best to call a professional restoration company immediately and get it fixed before the water damage becomes extensive.

5 great tips in preventing a skylight leak.

Tip 1: The first tip is to ensure that your flashing was installed properly when you had your skylight installed. Skylight flashing is the material that surrounds the base of your skylight. It's designed to keep rain and snow out, so water can't seep in and cause severe damage.

Tip 2: The second tip is to ensure that your skylight has the proper ventilation. Water vapor can build up around your skylight during the colder months, so it is important to add insulation around the skylight's framing.

Tip 3: The third tip is to reapply caulking around your skylight if it's beginning to peel away from its frame. Caulking is a great coating to prevent water from seeping in, but it will only work if applied correctly. In addition, you will want to seal off any openings at least once a year for normal wear and tear.

Tip 4: The fourth tip is to clear out any gathered leaves around the skylight and to install a screen if not present. A screen will help prevent dirt, leaves, or any other materials from entering the home, and removing excess debris will prevent water from pooling. 

Tip 5: The fifth and final tip is to inspect the skylights regularly.

If you do these things and prevent a skylight leak from occurring, you will save your skylights and money on repairs and materials. 

Call SERVPRO today for expert advice and service.

The professionals at SERVPRO understand that the best way to avoid water damage from occurring is understanding how it begins in the first place. With that being said, we hope that you found this post helpful in preventing a skylight from leaking. To learn more about our services and other ways to prevent water damage, contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek today! We can help you remove any amount of standing water and stop any mold growth before it starts!

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Additionally, our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC, to perform water restoration in your home or commercial property.

Fire Retardant Paint: 3 Great Benefits In Applying Fire Retardant Paint

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for professional construction services!

Fire retardant paints consist of chemicals that prevent or reduce heat release, flame spread, and smoke generation in the event of a fire.

Fire safety is a critical issue for many residential and commercial property owners; as property owners, we choose to install smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. The latest safety measure trend is the choice to paint with fire retardant paint. Fire retardant paints are designed to slow the spread of fires. The following blog post will provide three great facts about fire retardant paint and why they are the hottest trend for fire prevention.

What is fire retardant paint?

Fire retardant paints contain chemicals and additives that prevent or reduce heat released, flame spread, and smoke generation in the event of a fire. Fire retardant paint is perfect for both homes and businesses. A property owner can apply fire retardant paint on various materials such as wood, drywall, metal, aluminum siding, and fiberglass panels.

When to use fire retardant paint?

Fire safety should always be a concern for residential and commercial property owners. One of the main aspects of fire safety that property owners need to consider is preventing fires before spreading anywhere else in the home or building. 

Fires can range from tiny sparks to large blazes, but homeowners that choose to paint with fire retardant paints ensure the safety of all family members because the fire will be out before it has a chance to grow. 

A property owner should use fire retardant paints on all exposed wood surfaces, window frames, and other flammable objects prone to catching fire no matter the property type. Another great idea for using fire retardant paint is on the underside of decks or porches. When applying the fire retardant paint, you will want to apply 2-4 coats for maximum efficacy.

Fire safety is also critical for many organizations that utilize or store large amounts of flammable materials such as paints, solvents, and fuels. Therefore, these organizations should be especially concerned with initiating a high level of fire safety throughout their property. The first step for creating a safe environment is by applying fire retardant paints on all exposed wood surfaces, fiberglass objects, and other flammable surfaces surrounding the areas containing flammable materials.

What are the 3 benefits of fire retardant paint?

Applying fire retardant paints to your property will:

1. Reduce the flammability and combustion of building materials it coats.
2. It can be applied on metal, wood, lacquered surfaces, etc.
3. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Who to call for a fire retardant paint application?

When considering applying fire retardant paint to your property, you should contact a professional construction company like SERVPRO that has experience applying all types of paints. The right company will know the areas that require fire retardant paint application and the best way to prevent a fire from spreading. 

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about the benefits of fire retardant paint and why it is the latest trend in fire safety. Fire-retardant paints do not prevent fires from occurring but delays the expansion of fires in a fire. In terms of painting your home, the application process should be done at least every five years so you can avoid disaster and get a fresh coat of paint. 

Please contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek if your property has recently experienced fire damage or would like a reputable company to apply fire retardant paint. Our IICRC certified professionals are available 24/365 to help return your property to its pre-fire condition as quickly and efficiently as possible! Our fire damage restoration services include fire cleanup, smoke removal, water extraction from wet building materials, contents cleaning, and decontamination.

Restoration Estimates: Top 5 Aspects of a Great Restoration Estimate

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for precise restoration estimates!

A property owner will want a professional restoration estimate after a property has received damages.

No one ever plans on calling a restoration company for an estimate because damages to a property are often unexpected.

When you call the right company to perform a restoration estimate, they will submit the estimate to your insurance company for reimbursement on your behalf with professional restoration estimating software. Restoration estimating software is the number one known way restoration companies and insurance adjusters keep accurate costs based on the property's location.

The following blog is intended for those who have recently had damages to their property and want to know what makes an excellent restoration estimate. By the end, you will learn what consists of a restoration estimate and the five essential aspects of a quality estimate.

What is a restoration estimate?

A restoration estimate is a document that provides the property owner with a detailed list of damages, restoration needs, resources required for completion, the necessary personnel needed throughout the restoration process, and an overview of how long the restoration project is expected to take place.

When to call for a restoration estimate?

The best time to call for a property restoration estimate is right after property damages occur because the restoration estimate will serve as a supporting document for an insurance adjuster to reimburse restoration costs to the property owner.

What qualifies a professional estimator?

A professional restoration estimator is an individual that has qualified experience and certifications in using the leading restoration estimating software, Xactimate. Xactimate is a restoration estimating software with a consistently updated price list based on the property's location.

A professional restoration estimator has undergone extensive training on Xactimate, the leading restoration estimate creation software. Xactimate offers three certification levels, and once all three are passed, the restoration estimating professional will know how to quickly create accurate restoration estimates using all of the Xactimate tools.

Five aspects of an excellent restoration estimate

The restoration estimate is one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to restoration services. A restoration estimate should be detailed, accurate, and fair. It should also include five essential aspects:

1) The scope of work

2) Materials needed

3) Labor costs

4) Room by room breakdown

5) Cost for miscellaneous items (e.g., permits, dumpster fees)

An excellent restoration estimate will include the five aspects above but what is even more necessary is explaining each line item on the restoration estimate. In most cases, an insurance adjuster will want to see why a particular item is priced a certain way. For example, the restoration estimator may have to itemize more floortile than needed when handling odd dimensions.

With the proper explanation attached to a restoration estimate, the restoration professional will be more likely to get the estimate approved by an insurance adjuster. In turn, the property will be put back together with quicker repair times.

Why call the estimating professionals at SERVPRO?

We hope you enjoyed learning about the five essential aspects of an excellent restoration estimate. When choosing the right restoration company to handle your disaster restoration repairs, you will want to ensure that they have proper restoration estimate experience and certifications. 

When your property has received damages, you should contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek for a professional restoration estimate.

We are Xactimate certified and understand that an excellent restoration estimate should have well-explained line items so the property owner and insurance adjuster can understand what will be done to complete their restoration project.

Please contact us today! Our professionals are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for any questions or emergencies regarding property restoration.

AC Water Leak: What to Do When Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Water

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO when you have water damage from a leaking air conditioning unit!

An air conditioner leak can be a serious problem because it means that your ac unit is no longer working properly and can result in major damages to your home.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen all types of property water damage caused by numerous sources. However, one of the most common water damage calls we receive is from an air conditioner leaking water.

If you're reading this blog post, chances are your ac unit is currently leaking water, and you need help navigating the situation. If this is the case, you need to address the water damage issue immediately before mold starts to grow!

Early signs of an air conditioner leak

Most commonly, property owners do not notice an ac leak until there is apparent water damage. However, before water damage occurs, you may be able to catch the leak early on by paying attention to your energy bills because a leaking ac unit will likely lead to high energy bills. Another early indication of an air conditioner leak will be the visibility of mold growth throughout a property. If you notice either one of these two signs, then you should contact HVAC professionals to come and inspect your property's air conditioning unit for leaks.

Why does an air conditioner leak?

A property may have an air conditioner leak because of either ac system malfunction or an ac unit installation failure.

Common air condition malfunctions include:

• A clogged condensate drain line: A clogged condensate drain line is the most common reason for an ac leak. A clogged condensate drain line can occur when dust, dirt, or mold causes a clog. The only way to fix a clogged condensate drain line will be to unclog it with a special vacuum.
• A damaged drain pan: After a certain amount of time, an air conditioner's drain pan will damage and no longer catch water. The best way to fix a damaged air conditioner drain pan will be to replace it with a new one.
• A broken condensate pump: A condensate pump is a type of pump that pumps water from air conditioning units to the outside. The best way to fix a broken condensate pump will be to replace it with a new one.
• A dirty air filter: Dirty air filters will prevent airflow to the air conditioner's evaporator coil. After some time, the evaporator coil will freeze and unfreeze and cause excess water to leak from the ac unit. Regularly changing the air filter is the best way to prevent an evaporator coil from freezing over.

What to do when the air conditioner is leaking water?

You will need to act fast at the first sign of an air conditioner leaking water to prevent severe damages from occurring. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek put together the following mitigation steps to reduce the property damages.

Steps to mitigate an air conditioner leak 

1. Turn off the thermostat to prevent further water from leaking
2. Contact your property insurance company to start a claim
3. Contact a reliable HVAC company for ac repairs
4. Contact a reliable water restoration to clean up and restore the damages

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about the most common reasons why an air conditioner leaks water and the steps to mitigate the damages. 

Many property owners throughout the Dayton metropolitan area have chosen to rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek for water damage restoration services. SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek is the first choice because we are a locally-owned company that has been dedicated to helping restore homes and businesses to their pre-water damage conditions since 1967.

When you choose to contact our professionals for water damage services, we will bring years of experience along with certifications to ensure that your water damage is mitigated quickly and professionally.

Please contact us today for more information on our water damage services or to schedule an appointment.

Fireplace Standing Water: The Top 3 Causes For a Fireplace Leak

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the water damage professionals at SERVPRO when you find standing water in the fireplace!

A Dayton homeowner may be confused why there is standing water in their fireplace. 

Consider yourself lucky if you are a homeowner that has never found standing water at the bottom of the fireplace. There are many reasons why a fireplace may have standing water, but the most common is a fireplace leak in the chimney. This blog post will discuss three of the top causes for a chimney leak, as well as what you should do if you find standing water in the fireplace.

Signs of a fireplace leak

A homeowner will likely be left with water damage after a rainstorm passes when there is a chimney leak. A clear indication of a chimney leak will be standing water at the bottom of the fireplace. A fireplace leak left to sit for a prolonged period can start affecting the walls and ceilings around the fireplace with mold damage. 

3 Common causes of fireplace leaks

1. Cracked chimney crown: A chimney crown is the top part of the chimney located directly above the fireplace. If there is standing water in your fireplace, it may be due to a cracked crown or an insufficient amount of mortar.
2. Damaged fireplace flashing: Fireplace flashing is a thin steel or aluminum sheet used to seal the fireplace from rainwater. Damaged flashing can cause standing water in a fireplace and high energy bills due to the accessibility of outdoor elements.
3. A damaged or missing chimney cap: A chimney cap is a fireplace accessory used to help prevent water leaks and animals from clogging the fireplace flue. If you are experiencing standing water in your fireplace, it might indicate that your chimney cap is damaged or missing.

A recent fireplace leak service call

A few months back, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek received a call from a homeowner who found standing water inside and around their fireplace. The homeowners knew about our water damage services because we had serviced their home the previous year after a dishwasher leak. 

For this particular water damage call, we knew that we had to go up on the roof and inspect the chimney to determine the cause of the fireplace standing water. After about an hour of inspecting the chimney, we found that the cement chimney crown had a crack. The chimney crown crack had allowed water into the flue lining and entered the chimney. 

The homeowners were happy to find out that there was no mold growth inside the chimney flue, and we were able to professionally seal the cracks rather than having to replace the chimney crown. 

After a few days, we were able to remove all standing water in the fireplace without severe demolition, and the homeowner was able to start using their chimney "Like it never even happened."

What to do when there is standing water in the fireplace?

It is essential to contact a water damage professional at the first sign of standing water in a fireplace. Water damage professionals will commonly use thermal moisture imaging cameras to easily determine the standing water location and severity of the damage, even when it is hidden from plain sight.

Once they can locate the location and the severity of the damage, they will design a unique drying plan tailored to the damaged property.

Wrapping up

As you have learned, standing water in the fireplace can cause major structural damage, especially if some cracks or holes allow for more water to enter into the flue lining and then inside the chimney structure itself. If you find standing water in the fireplace, you should contact the water damage professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek immediately. 

SERVPRO is a highly reputable restoration company in Dayton, Ohio, that puts customer services before anything else. Please contact us today for any further questions on how we can help you with the standing water in your fireplace.

Fallen Tree Damage: 5 Steps to Take When a Tree Damages Your Property

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fallen tree restoration services!

The damages done to your property by a fallen tree may be covered by insurance.

You are very fortunate if a fallen tree has never damaged your home. The sound of a tree crashing onto your property is terrifying, and the aftermath can be even scarier. Fallen trees often result in damage to homes, cars, fences, and other structures on your property.

The following blog post will go over when insurance covers fallen tree damage to a property and the steps to take when a tree has damaged your home.

Recent fallen tree damage project

Those that live in close proximity to Dayton, Ohio, know how prone our homes are to tornado damage and wind damage. Every time high wind speeds pass through the Dayton area, our SERVPRO professionals receive numerous calls regarding exterior damages.

The most recent wind storm occurred in April and left one homeowner with serious damage after a fallen tree crashed into their roof and left a hole in their family room ceiling.

When we arrived at the damaged home, we evaluated the damages done and began to design a plan to remove the tree and protect the home from further damages. Fortunately, it was not raining when the tree fell, so water damage restoration services were unnecessary.

Within a few hours, our professionals removed the tree from the roof, and we used a secure tarp to cover the hole in the roof. Then the homeowner submitted a claim to their insurance company, who said they would cover the fallen tree damages done to the home.

In the end, the homeowner received a brand new roof and was delighted with our services, and let us know that they would be using us for future home restoration services. 

When is fallen tree damage covered?

Fallen tree damage will be covered by an insurance carrier when covered perils are damaged by wind. Covered perils include damages including your home or other structures such as a shed or a fence.

Suppose a fallen tree damaged the property due to negligence on behalf of the homeowner. In that case, the homeowner will be held liable for the damages, and an insurance carrier will likely not cover the damages.

5 Steps for fallen tree damage

When it comes time to clean up after a fallen tree has damaged your property, there are five steps you should take:

Step 1: Evacuate everyone from the property. After a fallen tree damages your home, you will want to ensure that everyone that resides in the home is safe.

Step 2: Document the damages done to the property. Before any work is done, you will want to document all damages to the property for insurance purposes. You should take pictures and videos and create a list of any personal belongings that were damaged.

Step 3: Contact a local restoration contractor. Local restoration contractors like those at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek will mitigate fallen tree damage quickly and professionally.

Step 4: Contact your homeowner's insurance provider. The sooner that you contact your homeowner's insurance provider, the quicker the repairs will occur.

Step 5: Ensure your property is secure from further damages. The damages done to your property should be covered by a roof tarp to ensure no water or pests make their way into your property.

Fallen tree damage restoration

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek specialize in restoring properties after a fallen tree causes damages. All of our SERVPRO professionals are IICRC certified and are available 24/7, rain or shine.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek even has a construction division to repair or rebuild any damages that occurred to your property. So when you contact us, you will receive tailored services from the best restoration team in Ohio.

Wet Insulation: How A Fiberglass Material Can Lead to Severe Damages

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the water damage professionals at SERVPRO today!

Wet insulation has a distinct pungent odor.

Fiberglass insulation is a great material in any home to keep warm air inside and cold air out. However, during water damage events (such as flooding, pipe burst, or sewage back-up), the fiberglass insulation will be damaged and soak up water like a sponge, leading to mold growth if not dried quickly. This blog post discusses how wet insulation is one of the most common causes of mold damage and what can happen if it is not mitigated quickly.

What is insulation?

Insulation was designed for temperature regulation in a home; it will keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can find insulation in the attic and walls of a home. Most of the time, insulation will sit in ceilings and walls but can also be found in the floors above vented crawl spaces. 

The most common type of insulation found in a property is fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass insulation is a type of insulation made up of small glass fibers that are compressed together.

Wet insulation issues

Wet fiberglass material soaks up water just as easily as a sponge does; this is why water damage events such as flooding will lead to mold growth when not dried quickly.

It's important to remove any wet materials from an affected area so mold won't grow. When mold is left to grow for too long, the property will end up resulting in structural issues like wood rot, which can devalue your home.

Wet materials need access to air and dehumidification to be adequately dried out, and IICRC certified restorers know how to adequately dry a property that has been damaged by water.

In some cases, a restoration professional may decide that it will be better to throw out all wet insulation rather than trying to salvage it. However, keep in mind that wet insulation that comes in contact with contaminated water should be removed and disposed of as soon as possible.

Signs of wet insulation

The easiest way to tell that a property has wet insulation is to inspect the drywall covering the insulation after a basement flood or water damage event. If the drywall is saturated, it will be safe to assume that the insulation behind the wall is also wet.

Restoration professionals use penetrating moisture meters to test the moisture levels in drywall and the insulation. After the penetrating moisture meter confirms that the drywall and insulation are wet, the restoration professional will remove all the water-damaged drywall and wet insulation to prevent mold growth.

Signs of moldy insulation

Moldy insulation will appear to have dark or black spots and will have a very distinct smell. It is best to call water damage restoration professionals quickly to avoid mold growth.  

A restoration company your can trust

Through the years, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have proven themselves to be the go-to water restoration company when it comes to water damage in Dayton, Ohio. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek prides themselves on their ability to deliver fast services without compromising customer experience. When you choose to call SERVPRO for water damage services, you will receive a tailored drying plan and a fast responding team to ensure that your property is dried as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is fully equipped with industry-standard equipment, including:

• Moisture meters
• Dehumidifiers
• Air movers
• Thermal moisture imaging equipment
• etc.

All of the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have gone through extensive training by the IICRC.

Please contact us today if you are in the middle of a water damage disaster and need emergency services or want to inspect your insulation for mold growth.

Thermal Moisture Imaging: 2 Jobs Types That Utilize Infrared Cameras

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fast leak detection and restoration services.

Thermal moisture imaging is a technology that allows SERVPRO professionals to see signs of water signatures in various items during a disaster. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have been utilizing thermal moisture imaging for the last decade. Thermal moisture imaging is a process that utilizes an infrared camera to detect and measure temperature variations in building materials. Thermal mapping has been a staple to our success because it has allowed us to quickly uncover hidden water leaks, structural issues, and causes of mold issues during an initial building inspection. 

In the restoration industry, thermal moisture imaging is a common tactic to quickly find the location of a potential moisture intrusion and other building defects. In this blog post, we will go over the 2 different types of jobs where you will see an IICRC certified professional at SERVPRO utilize thermal moisture imaging and how they use their findings to move forward in the restoration process. 

1) Thermal imaging for water damage restoration jobs

The first type of job where you will see thermal mapping utilized by a SERVPRO professional is inspecting the cause of the loss on a water damage restoration job. For example, when water leaks are present in a building, they can lead to stains and residual moisture in the walls or ceilings that show up as cool signatures on our infrared cameras. Thermal imaging helps us identify the cause of the loss and ensures that the water source is stopped to prevent secondary water damage from occurring. 

Thermal imaging can detect water leaks from: 

• Pipe brakes 
• HVAC leaks
• Boiler leaks 
• Foundation leaks 
• Appliance leaks 
• Roof leaks 

With the use of thermal moisture imaging technology, the SERVPRO professional will know all that was damaged by the water loss. In addition, screenshots from our infrared camera come in handy in creating a restoration estimate and proof during the insurance claim process. 

2) Thermal imaging for mold damage remediation jobs 

The second type of job where a SERVPRO professional will utilize thermal imaging is during a mold remediation inspection. Mold damage is typically the result of water intrusion or a flood that has been left to sit without receiving quick mitigation services. As a result, mold will grow unseen on the surfaces of furniture, walls, and ceilings until it becomes visible as fuzzy white and black patches. 

A SERVPRO professional will utilize thermal imaging technology during the inspection portion of a mold remediation job to ensure that the source of the water damage is no longer present and to locate all mold/water-damaged contents. 

Keep in mind that an infrared camera cannot directly locate mold spores but can find moisture where mold spores cultivate.

Count on SERVPRO for disaster restoration services

The number one team to call for water cleanup services in Dayton, Ohio, is SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is independently owned and operated by two brothers, Greg and Gary Shooter. Greg and Gary Shooter both understand the importance of prioritizing the use of advanced technology techniques like thermal moisture imaging during a restoration job. In addition, they want to ensure the customers of Dayton, Ohio, are always receiving quality restoration services with great customer service. 

We hope you enjoyed learning about why the professionals at SERVPRO use thermal moisture imaging during the initial inspections and how infrared cameras are used during mold and water damage jobs. 

Contact us today if you are in need of thermal moisture imaging after your property has been damaged by water or mold. All of the crews at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are professionally trained by the IICRC and available 24/7 to service your property.

Warehouse Flood: 5 Tips For Faster Recovery

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

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A warehouse flood can pause production and should be mitigated quickly by professionals. 

It's not a secret that floods happen, and when they do, the flood damage they cause can be devastating. It doesn't matter if the warehouse is small or large; a flood will undoubtedly ruin everything in its path. But we have good news; there are certain things a warehouse owner/manager can do to help speed up the recovery process! In this blog post, we'll discuss five tips for fast recovery after warehouse flood damage occurs and how SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can help during a warehouse flood crisis.

Common causes of a warehouse flood

When it comes to warehouse floods, the professionals at SERVPRO have seen it all. Here are the most common reasons warehouse flood damage occurs:

• Pipe Bursts
• Sewage back-ups
• Toilet overflow
• Roof leaks
• Failed warehouse gutters and downspouts
• Foundation leaks
• Clogged or inoperative sump pump
• A malfunctioning main drain system

5 tips in handling a flooded warehouse

No matter the cause of the warehouse flood, it is essential to know what needs to occur next to get the warehouse operating again. Below we have included 5 tips to help ensure faster recovery times:

Tip 1) Shut off building utilities. For example, when a warehouse flood results from a faulty water supply line, you will want to shut off your main water line to stop further water from damaging the property. You will also want to shut off all electricity before any sparks occur, or there could be an increased risk of fires.

Tip 2) Call your insurance provider. Quickly calling your insurance provider will allow them to be in the loop and start the claims process.

Tip 3) Call a reputable restoration company. Calling a reputable restoration company will ensure that all water is extracted quickly and prevent secondary water damage.

Tip 4) Document all damages. It is always a good idea to document all flood damages to help with the insurance claims process. Documentation will include pictures, videos, and a detailed inventory list of contents damaged by the flood.

Tip 5) Relocate necessary inventory. Relocating all inventory and contents that didn't get damaged by the flood will be beneficial in helping production resume. However, you will want to leave all damaged items in place to be documented for insurance purposes.

The importance of a flood plan

Because floods are not uncommon in the warehouse industry, warehouse owners and managers need to ensure all team members are prepared and know our flood prevention tips. A warehouse flood can lead to lost inventory, damaged machinery, and expensive repairs. The best way to prevent these issues is by being aware of how they occur and having a developed plan before they happen.

At SERVPRO, we offer a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for any customer who wants to be prepared for disaster strikes. An ERP will include a complete written document detailing how to protect your property further after an unfortunate event occurs. In addition, the ERP will include exit points, important numbers, any vulnerable areas, and the location of all emergency shut-off valves.

Why call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO?

When a warehouse flood occurs, you want to call a team of IICRC certified professionals that can handle any size disaster. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek have all the necessary equipment and personnel ready for when a disaster strikes. As well, we can help salvage important paperwork and office electronics that were damaged by a flood. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a family-run business that is independently owned and operated by two brothers, Greg and Gary Shooter, who built their business by prioritizing customer satisfaction.

Please contact us today for emergency warehouse flood assistance or any questions regarding our water damage process.

4 Common Causes of Dayton House Fires and How to Prevent Them

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always available for residential fire restoration services!

Understanding the common causes of a house fire is the first step in prevention.

After a Dayton house fire breaks out, a homeowner should contact the Dayton Fire Department and a reliable Dayton fire restoration company to prevent further damages. Did you know, on average, the Dayton Fire Department receives more than 60 calls for house fires a year? The professionals at SERVPRO are not happy with the high amount of house fire calls. Our fire restoration professionals are not just available to help you with your fire damage home insurance claim, we also want to help prevent Dayton house fires from occurring altogether.

This blog post aims to help the locals of Dayton, Ohio, understand the potential causes of Dayton house fires. We will be going over the four most common causes and how these causes of fires can be prevented.

Dayton house fires can cause severe damages.

Every Dayton house fire is different, and the amount of damage present in the residential property will dictate the amount of time necessary to restore the damaged property.

A house fire in Dayton will leave the two main types of damages:

1) Structural damage

The structural damage caused by a Dayton house fire may be one of the most costly repairs. The fire restoration process can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on the severity of the damages.

2) Contents damage

During a Dayton house fire, the contents within a home will be left damaged. Therefore, the damaged items will need to be professionally cleaned to remove all indications of fire damage. The contents of a home can be cleaned in as little as one week or may take up to three months, depending on the severity.

4 Common causes of Dayton house fires with prevention tips

The following list of common causes of Dayton house fires is listed in order from most common to least.

1) Cooking Related Fires

Cooking-related fires are the most common cause of house fires in Dayton. Cooking-related fires are easily preventable by always staying close by and watching the entire cooking process: if you see or smell smoke, stop what you are doing and turn off all heating sources as soon as possible.

2) Electrical fires

Electrical fires occur when there is faulty wiring insulation causing a short circuit or overloaded circuits with too many appliances running at once. If you think you may have an electrical issue or live in an older Dayton home, you should get your electrical wiring checked by a professional electrician.

3) Smoking fires

It is common for a smoking fire to occur when someone falls asleep while smoking. Therefore, it is best to smoke outside and avoid smoking near any combustible items to prevent a smoking-related fire.

4) Candle fires

Candles will make a residential home smell and feel welcoming but can also cause fire damage when placed in the wrong location. Extinguishing the candle before leaving the candlelit room and keeping the flame away from combustible materials is the best way to prevent a house fire from occurring.  

Wrapping up

As you can see, house fires can cause severe damages to the structure and the sentimental contents inside. We hope that you now understand the four most common causes of Dayton house fires so that you can prevent a future fire outbreak from occurring. For a further resource, check out safety tips by the National Fire Protection Association!

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek if you recently have had a fire in your home or have additional questions on preventing a house fire from occurring. Our IICRC certified professionals are available to help 24/7, 365 days a year, for fire restoration services.

Plastic Containment Walls: 2 Types of Jobs That Must Be Contained

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for quality containment barriers.

During asbestos abatement and mold remediation, plastic containment walls should be installed. 

Plastic containment walls (temporary barriers) are essential in the restoration and construction industry; they have proven to contain unwanted dust and contaminants from spreading to unaffected areas. Plastic containment walls also make it easier for restoration professionals to clean up a contaminated area by keeping all damages contained in a single area. This blog post discusses plastic containment walls, what they are, how they work, and why they need to be installed while removing mold and asbestos. 

What are plastic containment walls?

Plastic containment walls are temporary barriers made of plastic sheets to enclose a work area. Plastic containment walls are designed to be installed quickly and easily taken down. Inside the plastic containment walls, the following also needs to be covered: 

• Doorways
• Windows
• Electrical outlets
• Air vents
• Ducts
• Exhaust fans
• Skylights
• Light fixtures

When installing plastic containment walls, a restoration professional will ensure that the plastic sheeting is secure from floor to ceiling. Poles with painter's tape are commonly used to stabilize the containment barrier. 

Using plastic containment walls during asbestos abatement

As we mentioned already, plastic containment walls stop unwanted dust and contaminants from spreading into unaffected areas. Asbestos abatement jobs always need to be contained. 

For those unaware, asbestos was a popular building material used before it was proven to have harmful effects when disturbed. In properties built before 1980, asbestos can be found in flooring tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing, siding, and insulation. It is best for all older property owners to contact a certified and licensed asbestos abatement professional before starting a remodeling project. An asbestos abatement professional will come and send out a sample of the questionable building material for sampling before moving forward. 

As you can see, asbestos is a serious substance. During any size asbestos abatement job, the professionals at SERVPRO will put on their personal protective equipment (PPE) and then install plastic containment walls to isolate the area with asbestos. The plastic containment walls will prevent asbestos from spreading beyond the contained space during the asbestos removal and demolition process. 

Plastic containment walls are essential during mold remediation. 

Just like asbestos abatement, mold remediation also needs to utilize the benefits of installing plastic containment walls. Mold spores are known to travel quickly as soon as the mold remediation process begins. 

When the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek arrive at a mold job, they will be wearing their PPE ready to mitigate the unwanted mold issue. One of the first steps in the mold remediation process is installing plastic containment walls to isolate the contaminated area. After the plastic containment walls are up, a restoration professional will place a negative air pressure machine and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. 

Final Thoughts 

We hope you enjoyed learning about the purpose and benefits of installing plastic containment walls. Properly insulating all work areas is guaranteed to help avoid the spread of cross-contamination during any mold and asbestos job. As you can see, the IICRC certified professionals at SERVPRO take safety very seriously. We want to ensure that contaminants never spread to other areas of a property. 

Poorly built plastic containment walls may result in further damages and expensive repairs. When you call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, we can assure you that our certified professionals will install plastic containment walls using quality materials to avoid further damages. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is independently owned and operated by Greg and Gary Shooter. SERVPRO has built the reputation as the company to call when it comes to any size restoration project in Dayton, Ohio. Contact us today for more information or questions on plastic containment walls.

5 Actions To Take When a Basement Floods

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the basement flood clean-up professionals at SERVPRO for quick services!

It's better to be overly prepared for basement floods.

In and around greater Dayton, Ohio, local residential and commercial properties are prone to basement flood damage caused by heavy rainstorms. In a previous blog post, we went over flood prevention tips to help the Dayton locals prepare for basement floods. This blog post will go over what a property owner can do immediately after a basement flood. 

If you are currently in the middle of a basement flood, your best course of action will be to shut off all electrical power to the house and contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fast action services. 

5 Actions when dealing with a basement flood 

1. Keep children and pets away from the flooded basement. 
2. Remove all contents and wet materials 
3. Extract all water 
4. Dry the basement 
5. Apply an antimicrobial 

1) Keep children and pets away from the flooded basement 

When dealing with a flooded basement, it is best not to allow children or pets to enter the flood-damaged area. Basement floodwater from rain is categorized as category 3 water damage by the IICRC due to the highly contaminated water present. Ony an individual wearing the proper (PPE) personal protective equipment should enter a flooded basement. 

2) Remove all contents and wet materials  

Only after you have on the PPE can you consider removing all of the salvage and unsalvageable items. To effectively and quickly dry a flooded basement, all category 3 waterlogged items must be thrown away, and all salvageable items should be placed in another area of the home.

If your basement has a lot of content, you will want to get a professional pack-out. A pack-out is where contents are taken to an offsite location for storage and cleaning. In most cases, an insurance company will compensate the property owner for the unsalvageable damaged items and the cost of the pack-out. 

You should also remove all of the flood-damaged floorings throughout the basement. Water that sits in carpet flooring can cause mold on the carpet, and water-damaged hardwood flooring will warp. 

3) Extract all the water 

After all of the damaged contents are removed from the flooded basement, you can begin the water extraction process. The best way to extract water from a flooded basement will be by using a truck-mount water extractor. Our SERVPRO truck-mount water extractor is designed to hold over sixty gallons of extracted water. 

Quickly removing all floodwater from a basement is essential in the restoration process because a damp, dark environment is a great place for mold to grow easily. 

4) Dry the basement 

The only way to ensure that a basement flood is completely dry will be by using industrial fans and dehumidifiers. These two pieces of restoration equipment work in conjunction with one another. The fans will move the water particles into the air while a dehumidifier removes all the excess moisture. 

5) Apply an Antimicrobial 

Applying an antimicrobial to a water-damaged area stops the growth of mold. The antimicrobial solution SERVPRO uses has proven to kill and slow the spread of microorganisms found in floodwaters. 

Skip all steps and call SERVPRO 

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek receive many calls a year where a customer attempts to restore their flooded basement on their own and then discovers mold weeks after. Unfortunately, mold damage will be more expensive than flood mitigation, especially when mold spreads to other areas of the property.  

Our goal is to quickly restore your flooded basement and to ensure it doesn't flood again. That is why, when SERVPRO arrives at a flood damage situation, an IICRC certified professional starts by finding out what caused the basement flood in the first place. For example, most basement floods in Dayton result from a sump pump failure; if this is the case, it would be wise to purchase a new sump pump ASAP. 

Contact us today if you need basement flood restoration services. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is available 24/7, 365 days a year!

6 Steps to Recovery After A Storm Damages Your Rental Property

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the storm damage professionals at SERVPRO for mitigation and restoration services.

Storm damage to a rental property is a landlord's worst nightmare.

It is hard enough to deal with storm damage on your property, but what about storm damage to the rental property you own? Whether it was a tornado or hurricane that caused the storm damage, there are steps to take to ensure you and your tenants recover quickly. This blog post will give you six simple steps that will help your property recover after being damaged by storms.

The responsibility of the landlord

Storm damage to a rental property will likely occur when the property is in an area at high risk for storm damage. The team at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek knows that landlords are at greater risk for Dayton tornado damage. Therefore, before the next tornado passes, it is a good idea to go over tornado preparation tips with your tenants. 

When a tornado passes and causes storm damage to a rental property, a Dayton landlord must be mindful and courteous to their tenants and repair storm damage immediately. If the damage has made the property uninhabitable, it may be the landlord's responsibility to provide temporary housing for their tenants, depending on the lease agreement.

6 Steps to recovery

1. Communicate with your tenants
2. Contact your insurance company
3. Keep track of damaged contents
4. Get the damages professionally assessed 
5. Prevent further damages
6. Restore the property

1) Communicate with your tenants

After a storm passes the area of your property, you need to be in communication with your tenants and check if they are safe, and then ask about property damages. The extent of the storm damage to a rental property may be uninhabitable and require temporary housing, which can be reimbursed through renters insurance or the American Red Cross.

Your tenants are counting on your support; it would be a good idea to advise them to contact their rental insurance company immediately. 

2) Contact your homeowner's insurance company

Whenever there is storm damage to a rental property, we recommend that the property owners contact their homeowner's insurance company ASAP to let them know what happened. Your homeowner's insurance company will advise you on how you should move forward.

If you live in your rented property, the storm damage to the rental property may be "unfit to live in," and you will receive a reimbursement for temporary housing. A homeowners adjuster will determine if a home is unsafe after a severe storm on a case-by-case basis. 

3) Keep track of all damages

When your property is safe to enter, it is essential to track an accurate list of your losses. You can create a list on Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. While creating the list of damages, you should also be taking pictures and videos for insurance claim proof. A list that tracks storm damage to a rental property needs to include the following: 

• Structural damages
• Damaged electronics
• Damaged furniture
• Damages cabinets
• Damaged flooring
• Broken windows
• Roof damage
• Wall water damage
• Ceiling water damage
• Standing water
• Signs of mold damage

4) Get the damages professionally assessed 

After communicating with your tenant and ensuring that they are safe, you need to have a professional team come out to assess the storm damages to the rental property. We suggest assessing the property even when there aren't any apparent damages because storm damages to a roof are sometimes not noticeable until months after the damages occurred.

5) Prevent further damages

Securing the property is the best way to prevent additional storm damage to a rental property after a storm passes. You can secure a rental property by covering open holes in the roof or walls with plastic sheeting. 

6) Restore the property

After storm damage to a rental property occurs, you will want your property to be restored by a reputable restoration company. Water damage to a rental property will require mitigation services to dry out the property. Once the property is dry, the rental property may need new drywall, insulation, and paint.

Contact SERVPRO for storm damage services.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen it all when it comes to emergency damages, and storm damage to a rental property is no exception! When you contact our Dayton storm damage team, you will quickly have a team of IICRC certified professionals that take pride in delivering quality work.

We have over sixty years of experience working with insurance claims and are ready to help you get a fair amount on your rental property insurance claim. From exterior to interior damage, we understand no repairs can wait. Contact us today for any further questions or emergency services regarding rental property storm damage.

3 Tips for Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the SERVPRO team in Dayton that is ready to remove all unwanted cigarette smoke odors.

Removing cigarette smoke smells can be difficult without the proper knowledge. 

The smell of cigarette smoke can be challenging to remove from your home or business. It is challenging because smoke particles easily cling to all surfaces and fabrics and are nearly impossible to remove with just a vacuum cleaner and air fresheners. Luckily, there are DIY ways you can try to remove the smells left behind by cigarettes in your house. In this blog post, we will discuss 3 tips for removing cigarette smoke odors from your home and make it fresh again!

The three tips

1. Proper ventilation
2. Create DIY solutions 
3. Utilize smoke removal equipment 

What is proper ventilation?

In a house that has been damaged by cigarette smoke damage, you will want to start by properly ventilating the home. To ventilate a home, you will want to keep windows and doors open and use fans to increase air circulation. While ventilating the home, you should also replace your home's HVAC air filters. Many homeowners forget that air filters should be replaced every two to three months for best air filtration results.

Removing cigarette smoke smells out of hard surfaces.

When you look to remove any unwanted cigarette smells from your home, you will want to ensure all hard surfaces are cigarette smoke smell-free. For starters, you can make a 50/50 solution that includes vinegar and water on all the hard surfaces. You can use this solution on the following hard surfaces: 

• Walls
• Light fixtures 
• Doors
• Doorknobs 
• fan blades
• Picture frames 
• tchotchkes
• Windows

Consider throwing out 

Cigarette smoke smell is easily absorbed by items that are made from fabrics like cotton. Consider throwing away the following items: 

• Blankets 
• Pillows
• Stuffed animals
• Mattresses 
• Fabric couches
• Curtains

The above items will be difficult to get a smoke smell out of, but not impossible. If you cannot part ways with some of your fabric items, there is a way you can get the cigarette smoke smell out of them; keep following along to find out how. 

How to get cigarette smoke smells out of fabric, upholstery, and carpeting? 

To remove the smoke smell from all fabric and upholstery, you will want to start with utilizing your washing machine by washing all items that can fit with 1/2 cup of vinegar instead of your normal detergent. For the items that do not fit inside your washing machine, you should put a little bit of baking soda on the affected smoke damage areas and let it sit for a few days, and then vacuum it up. 

For all carpeting damaged by cigarette smoke, you should rent a steam cleaner from your local hardware store and steam clean the carpets. (Note: you can also use a steam cleaner on drapes if it has the proper attachment.) 

When to call smoke removal experts

In many cases, cigarette smoke is too tough for a homeowner to remove on their own. When a customer calls for professional cigarette smoke removal, the professional will utilize an ozone generator. In the restoration industry, ozone is a known powerful cleanser used to eliminate odors. IICRC certified restorers are trained to use ozone generators and ensure the machine is properly placed to oxidize all cigarette smoke molecules completely. 

Smoke removal experts will also inspect the ducts of a home with debris that may contain smoke molecules. A home with any type of smoke damage will also likely contaminate the duct system, which will also affect the fresh air in a home. When the ducts are compromised with smoke damage, the restoration professionals will professionally clean your home's ducts. 

Why contact SERVPRO

When you contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, you will get a highly trained team that will focus on all areas that have been affected by cigarette smoke. 

Please feel free to contact us at any time for questions or services regarding cigarette smoke removal. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for all inquiries regarding smoke and fire damage restoration in Dayton.

5 Actionable Steps To Take When You Have A Water Damaged Ceiling

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Contact water damage professionals that are ready for any size disaster!

Ceiling water damages deserve undivided attention. 

There is nothing more horrifying than sitting in your living room one day, and you notice an unsightly brown projection beginning to peel from your ceiling. You may be wondering why there is a brown spot and how it may have gotten there. After a few Google searches, you realize that your ceiling has been damaged by water. Instead of worrying, start thinking about what action steps to take next. 

Although any water damage situation can be stressful, there is good news; if you are reading this post, you likely recognized the sign of ceiling water damage early on. Finding ceiling water damage at early stages allows a homeowner to avert further structural damages. 

In this blog post, we will be going over five actionable steps you, as a property owner, should take after finding out that you have a ceiling water damage issue.

Step 1: Address your water damage ceiling situation calmly. 

When it comes to water damage repair, we tend to be distressed over the situation and rashly make decisions. Oversee the damage calmly and make an informed decision whether to address it yourself or to seek professional help. It is essential to be aware that quickly addressing a water damage situation can save a property owner from more significant expenses.

Step 2: Find the source of the water damaged ceiling. 

There are two primary sources of why a water damaged ceiling may be occurring. The first possible cause of the water damaged ceiling may be the result of a roof leak. A clear sign that you have a roof leak will be clearly shown when your ceiling only gets wet after rainfall. 

Another likely cause of a water damaged ceiling is when a property has a pipe brake or defective plumbing pipes. Malfunctioning plumbing piping will lead to water damage when a pipe begins to drip in between the drywall. 

Step 3: Remove all water damaged materials.

When you have a water damaged ceiling, remove all the wet materials so that mold will have a less likely chance to grow. There is more to a water damaged ceiling than wet drywall. Inside your wet drywall will also be wet insulation; both materials need to be removed. 

Step 4: Check for signs of mold damage.

Whenever there is impending water damage, one of the likely outcomes to watch out for is mold growth. Mold is a type of fungi that can live and thrive anywhere with a little bit of moisture. The professionals at SERVPRO know they have a 48-hour window to mitigate water damage before mold begins to grow. When you find mold, it is essential to contact a professional in mold remediation to ensure a healthy environment in your home. 

Step 5: Dry the water damaged ceiling 

Once you have isolated and located the source, it is time to dry the damaged area. Water damage professionals use fans and dehumidifiers to dry water-damaged regions thoroughly. You can rent drying equipment at a hardware store, but it is best to hire professionals specializing in water damage repair services. Water restorers have all the necessary drying equipment and disinfectants to ensure your property is ready to be put back "Like it never even happened." 

When to call the professionals at SERVPRO 

As you learned throughout this blog post, ceiling water damage goes beyond aesthetics: mold can develop and cause severe structural damage. It is best to call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek at the first sign of ceiling water damage. The professionals will ensure your water damaged ceiling is mitigated correctly and not prone to future mold growth. 

The professionals at SERVPRO have witnessed many situations where a property owner has tried to mitigate the water damages on their own, causing more severe issues in the future. 

Water damage mitigation is more than just placing drying equipment. The professionals at SERVPRO go through extensive water damage training to ensure all moisture is at proper levels and the property is free from future mold growth. 

Contact us today to schedule an inspection when you think or know your property has a water damage issue. We are available 24/7 every day of the year for disaster mitigation!

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Black Mold?

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERPVRO for any size mold restoration job!

Homeowners insurance is intended to protect you from a variety of damages, but you might be wondering if black mold is one of them. 

Black mold can be a hazardous type of potentially toxic fungi that grows in areas with high humidity and moisture levels. The professionals at SERVPRO understand how challenging it can be to deal with a mold issue. We have found that the worst mold damage situations are when a customer's homeowners insurance denies their claim. 

Black mold damage restoration needs to happen quickly, whether your homeowner's insurance covers it or not. Black mold can pollute the environment and can also challenge the structural integrity of your property.

In this blog post, you will find out when black mold is covered by homeowners insurance and when black mold coverage is not always guaranteed to be covered.

When will black mold damage be covered?

Typically speaking, black mold damage will be covered when it is related to a covered peril. A covered peril is an event that an insurance company agrees to reimburse the property for when a claim is filed. When it comes to black mold, a covered peril will include the following water damage situations: 

• Mold after a water leak caused by an appliance malfunction
• Mold caused by a pipe burst or damaged hot water heater
• Mold cause after fire damage is extinguished by water

As we mentioned earlier, black mold thrives in areas that have high humidity and high moisture levels. When water damage strikes a home, there will be a 48-hour window before mold begins to grow.

Two types of black mold claims that are not covered

Mold caused by flooding will need to be covered by a flood insurance policy. Typical homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding because it is considered an act of God.

Another type of mold damage claim that may not be covered is mold damage that forms from negligence. Negligence is when a homeowner chooses to ignore home maintenance or repairs, causing the black mold damage to worsen.

How to ensure your black mold claim is approved.

As you learned earlier, your homeowner's insurance policy only protects against black mold damage only if they result from a particular condition that the coverage covers. (For example, water damage from a burst pipe can contribute to mold growth.)

To ensure that your black mold claim is covered, you must contact your homeowner's insurance provider at the first sign of black mold caused by water damage.

When you call your homeowners' insurance agent, you will be able to make a claim under your water damage coverage for mold removal and other restoration services for any property that is permanently affected by black mold. 

During the whole black mold claim process, you will want to ensure that you document everything with your smartphone. The pictures that you take should include all damaged items included both structurally and contents. 

Steps to take if your claim is declined.

The first thing that you should do when dealing with a denied claim is to examine your homeowner's insurance contract thoroughly to ensure that you are aware of your coverage. 

It is best not to start repairs until an insurance adjuster has assessed the damage but takes steps to avoid more damage. Any of the broken property should be photographed, videotaped, and inventoried.

It would be best if you looked into getting a second opinion from a licensed restoration contractor (like SERVPRO) to determine what induced the damage. If the restoration contractor finds that the black mold damage was from a covered peril, you can go through the appeals process with your insurance company.

Remember, homeowners insurance is intended to protect you from various damages, black mold being one of them, but only if a covered peril causes it. 

SERVPRO can help with any black mold claim

The team of professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is available to help any homeowner worried about a black mold claim being denied. 

When you call us, we will look through your list of "covered perils" mentioned in your policy with you. In Dayton, we most commonly see mold growth caused by appliance leaks. When you call us, we will find the exact cause of the black mold and help you get your claim approved by your insurance company. 

Our SERVPRO team in Dayton is full of skilled restoration professionals and is ready to tackle any size disaster. We want to be your go-to resource when it comes to disaster recovery. Our team personally understands how exhausting and devastating it can be dealing with a black mold claim.

To ensure your claim gets approved, the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek will provide an itemized loss inventory that includes pictures. Contact us today for our 24/7 available emergency services!

How Can A Clogged Dishwasher Drain Hose Cause Water Damage?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for kitchen water damage restoration services!

The water damage professionals at SERVPRO have restored many water damages from a clogged dishwasher drain hose. 

Dishwashers are an easy and comfortable part of our lives in our modern society. We load the dishwasher with the day's dishes, run a cleaning loop, and then spend the next hour doing other things. It is easy for us to take getting a functioning dishwasher for granted before it suddenly stops working.

A common reason for a dishwasher to malfunction is when food, paper, and other debris collect in your dishwasher drain hose and cause a clog. A clogged dishwasher drain hose will trigger backups and limit a dishwasher's efficiency.

If your dishwasher develops a clog of some kind, you might be in for some severe problems, mainly when it overflows. Dishwasher water damage does not end here; if it goes unnoticed for long, it can cost you serious secondary damages. 

In this blog post, we will go over the early signs to look for when you think your dishwasher drain hose is clogged, actionable steps to unclog the drain hose, and who to call for water damage restoration.  

What does a clogged dishwasher drain hose look like?

Underneath your dishwasher unit, there is a drain hose that can crack, clog, and deteriorate over time, causing a water damage leak. Early warning signs of dishwasher leakage are frequently found under and behind the unit, where plumbing connections are hidden. 

To ensure a well-functioning dishwasher, you should remove the front kickplate two to three times a year and search beneath the dishwasher for dripping or other signs of water leakage. It is best to check the unit for a clogged hose, both when it is turned off and filling.

When a clogged dishwasher drain hose goes unnoticed and untreated, it can easily become the cause of severe water damage to your kitchen and home in little time.

3 Early signs of a clogged dishwasher drain hose

1) Loud noises

Dishwashers are not known for being very silent, but the sound they produce is usually pretty predictable. If you hear uncommon noises coming from your dishwasher, it may be due to a clog.

2) Gurgling 

It's never a positive thing if the drains are gurgling. Although this does not always indicate that you are dealing with a major plumbing problem, it does indicate that something isn't quite right. If you hear gurgling, it means there's a clog, or at least a partial clog, somewhere in either your drain hose or pipe.

3) Water overflow

When the dishwasher backs up into the kitchen sink, you know something is wrong. A dishwasher overflow indicates that the water is unable to flow due to a clogged drain hose.

How to unclog a dishwasher drain hose

If you've figured out what's causing your dishwasher hose to clog, make sure you're prepared to unclog your drains. Below we are going to be going over a way to unclog your dishwasher drain hose, but remember that it is always wise to hire a local plumbing professional with the right knowledge.

Tools you may need: 

• Drain auger or snake.
• Gloves.
• Bucket
• Vinegar
• Phillips head/flathead screwdriver
• Baking soda

(Before starting any dishwasher repairs, unplug the unit!)

To start the unclogging process, you will want to remove the dish racks and then remove the drain grate with a screwdriver. Manually remove any visible debris and then use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After you let the solution sit, you can add boiling water down the drain hose. Reattach and reinsert the rack and grate and check to see if the dishwasher is properly draining. 

Contact SERVPRO for dishwasher water damage restoration

At SERVPRO, we believe that no water damage is the best kind of water damage. You can count on the IICRC certified professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek when your dishwasher malfunctions and causes water damage throughout your home. Your kitchen will be back in a pre-water damage state in no time with the help of our experts. 

Contact us today! We offer 24/7 emergency services to all property owners throughout the greater Dayton area.

5 Essential Tornado Property Preparation Tips For Dayton Locals

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for more information on our tornado repair services!

A tornado property preparation plan will limit the number of damages.

Tornadoes are the most dangerous of all atmospheric storms. They can demolish well-built buildings, uproot trees, even hurl items into the air like lethal missiles. Strong tornadoes can strike anywhere in the greater Dayton area. The locals of Montgomery County know how the month of May in 2019 was by far the worst tornado season seen in the last few years. 

Tornadoes are unpredictable, but with the start of spring, it's vital to keep ahead of the game so you'll know what to do if one hits the ground. To be tornado-ready, you must understand what to do before, during & after a tornado hits. Keep reading and learn what you can do to keep your loved ones and property safe.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best  

The first step when it comes to tornado preparation is to have a plan. After you have finalized all of your tornado preparation plan details, it is essential to explain the plan to your loved ones so they know what to expect in a tornado emergency. Your well-thought-out tornado preparation plan will alleviate any last-minute panicking because you will know what to do and where to go when you have a tornado property preparation plan in place. Consider the following when creating a tornado property preparation plan:

• Determine a secure location in your home where family members and pets can safely go to. The best place to seek shelter will be on your lowest floor and avoiding windows. A basement or storm cellar is the safest option.  
• If in a high rise, choose a hallway in the building's center as a secondary option in case there is not enough time to go to its lowest level.
• Choose a secure location in a nearby stable building if you live in a mobile home. During a tornado, no mobile home, no matter how well-built, is safe.

The 5 tornado property preparation tips

Preparing your home for a tornado is essential for the safety of your family and property. The following property preparation tips will help you limit the amount of damage:

1. Trim trees with diseased or decaying branches and limbs. Loose tree branches will shatter windows, garage doors, and roofs, causing severe harm to your house.
2. Prepare a list of anything that has to be taken indoors in the event of a tornado storm, including furniture, toys, bins, tools, trailers, cars, swings, and everything else that can be picked up and tossed by heavy winds.
3. Clear the yard of debris – branches & firewood will become missiles in strong winds.
4. Your garage doors should be secured shut. In certain houses, a garage is a vulnerable spot. The impact from the wind will raise the roof off the house if your garage door is breached.
5. Install storm shutters to cover and protect windows.

When to expect a tornado in Dayton?

In Dayton, Ohio, every month is in tornado season, but the risk of a tornado is highest in late spring and early summer (April to July). More than half of the tornadoes that have struck the state since 1950 have occurred in May, June, and July. According to data from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

Signs of a tornado

• The sky will be black and slightly greenish.
• Air will become very still before a tornado arrives.
• There is a loud roar, close sounding to that of a freight train.
• An approaching cloud of debris, even when the funnel is not visible.

Who to call tornado damage repairs

Your property may have been severely damaged even after you follow the tornado property preparation tips listed above. Although your property may need restoration services, we are happy that you have made it out safely.

You can trust the IICRC certified team of professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for quick and reliable tornado property repair services. Our local crews know how devastating tornado damage can be and want to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you with your homeowners insurance claim and restore your property!

Elevator Water Damage? 7 Step Property Management Guide

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Shut down any elevator that has water damage!

Elevators are not designed to operate in water.

If you are a property manager, it is important to handle all of the necessary repairs that come up. One of the most common types of damages is elevator water damage. Elevator water damage can happen due to many factors, including flooding or leaks from other units in the building.

Disasters don't occur with a warning, so it is okay to feel anxious. Elevators and water just do not belong together. So, if your building is experiencing a water intrusion, it is recommended that you follow the 7 steps to ensure the safety of the residents on the property. Let’s get a handle on the situation together!

What to do when an elevator is affected by water damage

Implement these 7 steps as soon as possible:

1. Evacuate all residents on the water-damaged elevator.
2. Turn off the main disconnects immediately.
3. Divert water from elevator door entrances.
4. Contact a reliable water damage restoration company  
5. Cover or shut any openings or vents on the top of the shaft.
6. Contact an elevator repair company as soon as possible. Record all the details you can on what areas of the elevator have been damaged by water. 
7. Take pictures of all the parts that are affected. Pictures will help with the water damage insurance process.

Water and elevators don't mix.

Whenever a commercial elevator has been exposed to water, you must follow the seven-step plan to ensure your property management team can mitigate any potential damage.

Water will contaminate the hydraulic fluids in a hydraulic elevator because hydraulic oil is hygroscopic and additional water will reduce the life of the oil and the hydraulic components.  

How to protect an elevator from water damage

Here are some tips that can protect an elevator from severe water damage:

• Make sure that the elevator is equipped with a surge protection system.
• Check if the backup power generator is working.
• Test the emergency lights and phones.
• Look for any leakage near the elevator. (vents, doors, windows)
• Add weather stripping on any doors that are next to the elevator.
• Purchase (or test) sump pumps for the elevator pits.

Understanding what kind of water is present (Category 1,2, or 3)

The various water types refer to the cause of the elevator water damage and any possible contaminants that the water might come in contact with. The cleanliness of the water has a significant impact on the threat it poses to the elevator system that comes into contact with it. The (IICRC S500) IICRC Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration is a procedure that distinguishes the three different types of water damage.

• Category 1: Sanitary "Clean Water"

Water that originates from a sanitary water supply and poses no significant risk. Examples; Rainwater, melting ice/snow, toilet banks, water supply lines, and toilet bowls without contaminants. 

• Category 2: "Gray Water" 

Contains substantial contaminants. Examples: Toilet bowl overflow, punctured water beds, broken aquariums, and washing machine/dishwasher overflow or discharge.

• Category 3: "Black Water" 

Water that is highly polluted and can contain toxigenic, pathogenic, or other dangerous agents. Examples include sewage, wind-driven rain from tropical storms/hurricanes, seawater, waste line backflow, and rising water from streams/rivers.

Knowing the definitions and differences of categories and types will help you understand what you will be dealing with and what sort of elevator water restoration process is required.

Contact SERVPRO for commercial water restoration.

When your property has elevator water damage, you will want to hire a company that knows how to handle all types of water damages. The restoration process for elevator water damage will include a thorough inspection to determine the category of elevator water damage present.

For example: Say that your elevator water damage was from a pipe break (Category 1) and the indoor carpeting had soaked in water, then this would require a water cleanup professional to focus on drying and preventing commercial mold growth.

To remove the water in the commercial building, our IICRC certified professionals will use fans, dehumidifiers, and other restoration equipment to dry the elevator water damage.

At SERVPRO, we fully understand how difficult it can be for commercial property managers to deal with elevator water damage situations; that's why we provide our customers with the best assistance in the form of our 24/7 emergency services. 

Our goal is to get the elevator water damage quickly restored to a pre-water disaster state so that it can start functioning normally again.

For more information on elevator water damage, please contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek at (937) 228-3433 or fill out the contact form on our website.

5 Safety Tips To Avoid Chimney Fire Damage in Dayton Ohio

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO when you have chimney fire damage!

Chimney fire damage can be prevented 

Chimney fires are a lot more common than most people realize since most chimney fires aren't "full-on" fires that burst out from the top of the chimney and burn the house down. Tiny chimney fires are the most common; they start and then go out on their own but typically result in a damaging cycle for your chimney.

This blog post will discuss how many chimney fires start in Dayton and provide prevention tips to avoid unwanted fire disasters.

How do chimney fires start?

It's far too common for chimney fires to start when debris (nests and leaves) and creosote buildup within the chimney. Burning unseasoned wood, a limited air supply (like failing to open the damper), lower than average chimney temperatures, overloading the firebox are all conditions that promote creosote buildup. 

Signs of a dirty chimney

• The fireplace emits a strong odor of burned wood when not in use.
• Poorly burning fires causing a lot of smoke in the home.
• A black chimney damper. The damper is typically located directly above the firebox.

5 Safety tips to avoid chimney fire damage

1) Keep the chimney clean

Keeping your chimney clean is the easiest way to avoid chimney fire damage. Burning wood produces creosote, a hazardous and easily flammable byproduct. Creosote buildup on the interior walls of the chimney causes the majority of home chimney fires. Creosote may appear like tar-like texture or crusty and hard.

2) Use fireplace doors and a screen

Before starting a fire, it is best to have both a door and screen installed. Doors and screens will help prevent smoke, hot embers, and carbon monoxide from entering your home. 

3) Burn suitable materials 

Professional chimney cleanings will clear the fireplace flue of flammable creosote. However, by burning "clean" flames, you can help keep creosote from forming in the first place. Use seasoned wood that has been drying for at least six months and has a low moisture content. 

4) Keep the damper open 

When you're lighting a fire in your fireplace, leave the damper wide open to minimize creosote buildup.

5) Install a chimney cap

When loose embers move higher up the flue, debris such as leaves or bird nests may catch fire. Install a chimney cap to prevent unwanted materials from entering the chimney flue. 

The chimney cap will also prevent "back puffing," which occurs when escaping smoke re-enters the chimney and then your home. 

Lastly, a chimney cap will reduce moisture from entering your home. Water in your chimney can destroy the dampers, liners, and also mortar joints of your chimney. Keep in mind that chimney mold growth is common when there is excess water.  

Why are annual inspections so important? 

A previous chimney fire, particularly one that went unnoticed, may cause severe damage to your chimney system as well as your home. A damaged or melted roof, heat damage to your walls, ceilings, or structural beams near the chimney are all possible areas for fire damage. 

The most damaging outcome of a chimney fire is that it opens paths for carbon monoxide to enter the house and removes the protections that shield the home from future fires. A stray spark or second chimney fire could quickly lead to a house fire if the previous damage is not correctly repaired. So, with that being said, it's always wise to get an annual inspection done to ensure your chimney is ready to be put into use.

Call SERVPRO for chimney fire damage cleanup.

The professionals at SERVPRO get many calls a year regarding house fires caused by a chimney. When you call SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek, a certified professional will come out and inspect the cause of the chimney fire damage so you can ensure that it doesn't happen again. Following a thorough inspection, we will then perform mitigation and restoration services to clean up and repair the fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO is a renowned company, and it has been serving the Dayton locals since 1967. Our team is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and has years of experience in cleaning after smoke damage and restoring chimney fire damage. We offer 24/7 emergency services to our customers, so feel free to contact us anytime!

3 Common Signs a Commercial Property Has A Mold Issue

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the commercial mold restoration specialist at SERVPRO today!

Learn the signs of a commercial mold issue before you get your property inspected 

Mold issues seem to be popping up all over Dayton, Ohio. It is possible to find mold growth outside, indoors, at work, and at home. Did you know that mold is commonly found in office buildings and many other commercial buildings? When it comes to mold growth, no indoor area is entirely free of mold spores. 

The purpose of this blog post is to help you identify if your commercial property has a mold issue and what steps you should take to ensure you are getting the best mold remediation services.  

Why are mold inspections necessary? 

Mold inspections are essential when you believe your property has a mold issue. A mold inspection done by a professional will help you identify how much mold is present in your building. When choosing a mold inspector, make sure you hire a reputable company that is experts in their field. 

Many contractors will say that they know how to do mold inspection, but really only a professional mold inspector understands that mold can be difficult to locate; mold likes to hide in dark hard to reach areas. 

The issue with mold is that it pollutes the environment and will challenge your establishment's structural integrity. In some cases, our professionals have found that commercial buildings hold off on mold remediation to avoid business interruptions. Rather than holding off, you need to contact mold restoration experts right away to prevent further damages to your property. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are just one call away from being at your doorsteps!

Three common signs of commercial mold

1) Musty odors

Drywall, wallpaper, tile, and other flooring types often hide mold growth, and therefore, the smell could be your only way of identifying it. Mold will have a powerful, musty smell around the area where mold is hidden. Wh have found that the mustiest odors come from carpet mold issues.  Call for a mold inspection if you notice an odor and can not identify the source.

2) Visible mold damage

Familiar places where mold will show as discoloration:

• Wallpaper Seams
• Window Sills
• Tile Grout
• Ceiling corners
• Wall Switch Plates
• HVAC Drip Pans

3) Water stains

Mold is usually associated with water damage. It would be best to call a professional mold remediation company if you notice any dark spots on ceiling tiles and walls, bubbling on wallpapers, or stains on carpets that are spreading. 

The common reason for water stains: 

• Flood damage
• Storm damage
• Pipes Breaks 
• Faulty appliances 

The importance of a mold sample

When you contact a professional mold inspector, they will come and do a thorough evaluation of your property and take an air quality test and a mold sample to see what kind of mold is present in your property. Remember, mold can grow and severely contaminate a property when left unattended. If it goes unattended long enough, it may reduce the air quality of your property. 

5 common types of molds found at a commercial property

1. Aspergillus
2. Cladosporium
3. Alternaria
4. Stachybotrys
5.  Penicillium 

Contact the mold professionals at SERVPRO

In most cases, once we know what kind of mold is present, we will begin the mold remediation process. Removal and remediation of mold will typically require water restoration services because most mold issues are the result of water damage loss.

Commercial mold removal steps are:

• Fixing the water leak issue.
• Isolating the contaminated area.
• Removing damaged material.
• Placing contaminated materials in a plastic bag.
• Drying
• Mold cleaning 

If left untreated, mold will quickly spread through the commercial property. Fortunately, the experts at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek react promptly to contain the mold infestation and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your property. Our IICRC certified team is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and has qualified experience in restoring mold damage. Contact us today!

9 Safety Tips to Avoid Space Heater Fire Hazards

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Misused space heaters can cause fire damage at any time of year!

Learn how to safely use a space heater and avoid unwanted fire hazards

According to the (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are responsible for one-third of most household fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire accidents and deaths.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) said in a 2018 press release that heating equipment is the second-leading source of house fires in the United States and the third-leading cause of deaths from these household fires.

Although space heaters are typically used only in winter, some people like to use them in the summertime. A scenario where one might use a space heater in the summer months is when an individual at the office blasts the air conditioning and causes others to be cold. As news of Dayton house fires caused by portable space heaters continues to make headlines, many people keep questioning: are they worth the risk?

Are space heaters safe?

The issue isn't that space heaters are not safe; they're unsafe when not used properly. Heating equipment put too close to flammable items, such as clothing, upholstered furniture, curtains, paper, mattresses, bedding, or flammable liquids, is the primary cause of space heater fires.

9 Safety tips when using a space heater:

1) Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions before us a space heater and only purchase one with a UL tag. (UL as the ultimate symbol of safety on a space heater )

2) The location of space heaters is crucial. Remember these simple rules: stay three feet away from its heat or a meter away from the heater. Heaters should be placed at least three feet away from something that might catch fire.

3) Do not use the space heater if there are any signs of wear, damage, or fraying.

4) Always place the heater on a flat, solid surface. Do not place them on furniture or carpet or on something that can overheat. 

5) Always unplug the space heater after use.

6) Do not leave it on overnight and never leave it unattended.

7) During use, frequently check if the cord, plug, or wall is hot.

8) Never run a cord under your rug or carpet.

9) Use a wall outlet that is free of other devices.

Are all space heaters a fire hazard?

After reading the tips above, you might be questioning if all space heaters are fire hazards. The answer is that it all depends on the way they are being handled. 

Unfortunately, an improperly used space heater will potentially cause severe fire hazards. Older space heaters with insufficient safety features, space heaters placed close to flammable items, and incorrectly plugged can be fire hazards. It all comes down to if the user is properly using the space heater.   

4 Different types of space heaters

There are 4 main types of space heaters.

1) Ceramic heaters

A type of convection heater. It is a popular choice for homes with pets and kids, as the heater's body remains cool.

2) Infrared heaters

This type of space heater is a radiant heater where the infrared bulbs create heat. They work well for warming a single individual or a small area rather than a larger one. For example, one could put this type of heater under a desk in a colder office.

3) Fan-forced heaters

These convection heaters warm air around coils and distribute it around a room with an attached fan, making them common in offices and small workspaces. The fan guarantees that the heat will be evenly spread.

4) Radiant heaters

This type of heater heats objects near it or in its direction by passing heated water or oil through it. They can be found in living rooms, lounges, and dens. Since they can maintain heat for long periods even without consistent electricity is switched off. 

Final thoughts

Fire disasters always come without warning and at any time. Such an unfortunate thing can happen to anyone, so it is understandable to be worried about a space heater fire hazard. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek specializes in Fire/Water/Mold restoration, and we are available 24/7 for any kind of structural damages to your property. 

If you suspect a fire starting in your house, leave your home immediately and call the local fire department. Call the IICRC certified professionals at SERVPRO when there is fire damage; we have the skills and training to restore your property to a pre-disaster state quickly. We are available to help you with your home insurance claim and to make your property seem like there was never a fire! Our emergency services are available 24/7, meaning you can contact us at any time of day!

Boiler Leaking Water? 3 Common Cause Why

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the commercial water damage professionals at SERVPRO today!

If your boiler is leaking water, you need to know the cause to avoid it from recurring. 

If you notice water coming from your boiler, it can be due to a variety of reasons. It is best to know that only an engineer specializing in working with boiler systems will have the know-how to figure out the real issue regarding your leaking boiler system. You may think that the leak has been fixed when in reality, there could still be other problems with the system, such as corrosion, pressure, or poor insulation. 

What is a boiler system?

As the name suggests, a boiler is a heating system that heats water with a fuel source. Hot water is then pumped into houses and other area's taps. The boiler is a highly essential system that commercial property needs. 

3 common reasons for a boiler leak

1) Pressure 

Every boiler needs to let out a specific amount of pressure so that the unit should not explode. However, sometimes the pressure gets too high, and as a result, it will start to leak water so that the pressure can be released. Temperature changes can cause this. If you have any questions about what is happening with your boiler, it is best to call the experts that installed the boiler.

2) Corrosion 

This reason is again a prevalent one. Corroded pipelines and wirings can be the number one reason why boilers leak water. Corroded pipelines and wirings mean that they have gotten too weak to function properly, causing water to leak. 

3) Poor installation 

Poor installation is an unfortunate reason that could occur to anyone who hasn't gotten their boilers fitted incorrectly. Weak and poor installations have parts that are not correctly attached, resulting in a water leak.

How to notice a boiler leak 

Due to the boiler room location, many people are not aware that their boiler is leaking water, which can be a severe problem. If your property owner is in a commercial building and is not aware of a boiler leak, your property can result in water damage from excess water. 

In most cases, a boiler system will have a drain system for excess water to flow, but when a drain cannot handle excess water, flooding will occur in the boiler room. When there is a flood or water damage that goes unnoticed, it can likely lead to a mold growth issue, something that should not be taken lightly. 

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a boiler water leak is by checking your water bill. If it has been unusually high lately and you are not sure why there is a problem with your boiler, it needs to be fixed immediately.

Here are three other signs that might indicate you have a leak on your hands:

-A musty smell in the boiler room 

-Discoloration on the walls or floor in the boiler room 

-Foul odor when you use your hot water. 

Call SERVPRO for any size water leaks

Just like water damage from pipe breaks, a boiler water leak can result in severe structural damage and needs to be mitigated quickly. Please consider calling the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek when you are shopping for a restoration company to perform the water restoration services. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is a well-known company in Dayton, Ohio. The IICRC certified professionals at SERVPRO are prepared to mitigate any size damage. The best part about calling SERVPRO is that they are available to respond 24/7 and will arrive at the scene of the damage within four hours. Contact us today for any questions or emergency services!

Asbestos Testing and Removal in Dayton Ohio

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO takes a sample of the suspected asbestos materials and sends them off for testing.

What to expect when your property needs asbestos removal

EPA and OHSA both have guidelines when a property may or may not have asbestos. Before the remodel or demolition of an educational, industrial, or multi-unit residential property, the EPA requires that you must perform an asbestos inspection. Also, to maintain a safe working environment for both residents and staff, OSHA demands asbestos surveys and asbestos testing.

Asbestos surveys are necessary to identify whether a property has asbestos-containing materials (ACM). In every asbestos removal project, protocol development is a vital component. It defines the locations that contain asbestos, records what areas to extract, and documents the project's safety and health aspects. 

Understanding the Ohio asbestos regulations is essential to protect landowners and employees. The development and application of an asbestos removal protocol are crucial for completing an effective asbestos abatement project.

A short history of asbestos

Since the 1970s, the U.S. government has restricted the use of asbestos. Although banned, asbestos is still present in older construction materials in the U.S., including flooring, insulation, ceiling, textured paint, and roof tiles. 

Asbestos testing and removal in Dayton, Ohio

Contact an abatement specialist immediately to determine the right course of action when asbestos is suspected to be present at a property. Please consider that it is always best to keep the substance undisturbed if the asbestos-containing item is not damaged.

3 Initial asbestos removal questions:

The asbestos removal company will be looking for the answers to these three questions:

1. Is it present? Location, quantity, and presence of asbestos.
2. Does it pose a risk? A risk that asbestos might be disturbed during renovations, demolitions, and repairs.
3. How much asbestos is present? Referring to how much of the building will be involved in asbestos abatement.

When to get asbestos testing

If you are considering a demolition or renovation project this year, you may be thinking about when or if you need to call in a specialist to test for asbestos. Sadly, too many property owners make wrong assumptions about when testing for asbestos is needed, and it never ends well.

Test for asbestos before any renovation project.

Many property owners think that if their building was built after EPA began regulating asbestos tests, it is okay to ignore asbestos testing. Even if the property was built after 1970, asbestos could still be present in many forms.

Test for Asbestos Before Any Demolition Project.

NESHAP addresses demolition work and does not provide exceptions to the requirement that asbestos testing must always be carried out in advance, irrespective of the condition, age, or other aspects present in the structure or building components.

Test Frequently in Older Buildings

Many older asbestos-based items can become permeable (easily crumbled) as they age. It is common to find permeable asbestos in aged fireproofing & insulation.

Asbestos removal process

When it comes to removing asbestos, there are three options. 

1. Removal: Removal of asbestos-containing items (ACMs).
2. Encapsulation: Focusing on sealing the asbestos away so that there's no exposure.
3. Demolition: Removal of all ACMs and other materials altogether.

It is time for final risk assessment and testing after the asbestos has been removed. After testing confirms that your property is free of harmful asbestos, the abatement is over.

SERVPRO asbestos removal 

Hundreds of asbestos removal projects have been completed by SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek on properties, including large commercial, governmental, residential, and healthcare buildings.

SERVPRO is a renowned company, and it has been serving customers in Dayton since 1967. We are a leader in the asbestos removal industry. Our team is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and has adequate experience in the asbestos removal field.

We are here to help if you need asbestos testing in Dayton. We will take material samples to send to testing, and the removal will be taken care of by our asbestos abatement professionals. We also provide our customers with 24/7 emergency services in case of an unfortunate disaster. Contact us today!

Dayton Ice Storm Cleanup Professionals

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy ice dams can cause severe damages to your property.

An ice storm can turn your everyday life upside down.

Many unpredictable weather events can take place in the early spring and late winter. An ice storm is often caused by a combination of warm and cool air. Heavy ice or snow can result in unique problems and cause severe damage to properties. Take action immediately to prevent further damages.  

If you're wondering what to do when mother nature decides to bring ice instead of snow, then read on. Let's help you figure out the problem and understand how our experts at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can mitigate the issue for you!

Storms in Dayton Ohio 

Dayton experiences challenging weather conditions such as tornadoes, ice storms, wind storms, floods, and other disasters. Heavy ice can cause carports, porches, roofs, and other outdoor buildings to collapse.

During an ice storm, you may experience:

• Large tree branches collapsing on your property. 
• Freezing and bursting pipes.
• Electricity outages

When your property is damaged from an ice storm, you need a team of experts with winter storm experience. At SERVPRO, we understand how vital cleanup and restoration after a disaster can be. Our professionals have state-of-the-art tools and resources to restore your property to a pre-disaster state.

How to recover your property following an ice storm?

Damage from an ice storm is inevitable; your property will somehow end up affected. The city of Dayton experiences harsh weather conditions every now and then; locals should always be prepared for natural disasters. However, it is understandable that one can only do a little by himself. Before calling professional help, you can still take some steps to recover your property from ice storm damage. Starting from inspecting your property and surrounding area for damage like:

• Downed tree branches and powerlines; It is dangerous to mitigate damages by yourself. It is best to call for professional help.  
• Ice buildup on roofs, driveways, and sidewalks.

Treat sidewalks and driveways

Accumulated ice on driveways and sideways can be extremely unsafe for residents, visitors, and mail carriers. Treat all driveways and pathways with salt to thoroughly melt the ice as soon as possible.

To minimize the buildup of ice, you could also add salt or an ice melting product to driveways and sidewalks before the storm. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that you may still have to apply additional ice melt products after the storm.

Check for ice build-up on the roof

Ice buildup on roofs can cause a lot of problems. Following an ice storm, be extra cautious of the amount of ice on your roof and whether or not your roof is capable of supporting extra weight. Ice is dense and heavy; weakening or even collapsing under the added weight is not unusual for a porch or roof.

If the ice build on your roof is becoming concerning, you should call a qualified Dayton roofing contractor to melt or remove the ice. Property owners should never try to clear ice from their roofs themselves; it is unsafe.  

Similarly, ice dams are caused by ice that builds up at the roof's edge, collecting water or melting snow behind it. An ice dam will stop water from flowing off a roof. A common effect of an ice dam is water damage after the water backs up under shingles and into your property. If the water damage goes unnoticed, it will result in mold growth and interior water damage.

Check the trees on your property

A severe safety issue can occur from ice on tree branches. The weight of accumulating ice can not only pull down branches on people, but it can also destroy vehicles and properties. For this purpose, surveying trees from a reasonable distance is necessary. Do not try to trim the tree yourself; always call for professional help.

Does insurance cover ice damage?

The purpose of insurance is to cover you from property losses. Sadly, insurance providers won't be paying for everything. Let's look at what is typically covered in ice storms.

• Many insurance plans do not include the loss of debris from trees unless the tree has fallen on a building or house.
• Your insurance provider will be liable for paying the damage if your neighbor's tree falls on your business or house.
• In these cases, insurance providers usually compensate property damage if trees crash through windows or collapse on roofs.
• If water damage occurs from frozen pipelines that burst, the damage is generally covered by your home insurance claim. 

Contact SERVPRO today!

Our experts are skilled and can handle all types of ice damage disasters. We are an IICRC certified firm and have a proven track record of providing quality mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction services. Call us today! We are available 24/7!

Commercial Property Flood Prevention Tips From Ohio Restoration Professionals

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the flood restoration professionals today!

Flooding is possible whenever Ohio experiences heavy rainfall

Among the most costly and common natural disasters are floods. Flooding can occur as a consequence of consistent rain for several days, melting ice, and severe storms. There have been numerous occasions in the last 20 years when the residents of Ohio woke up to their streets turned into rivers as a result of days of heavy rainfall. 

Just like the residential homes in Ohio, commercial buildings are vulnerable to expensive weather-related water damage. Common commercial property damage in Ohio is typically caused by blizzards, tornadoes, and severe rainstorms.  

If you own a commercial property and are concerned about floods and restoration, then this post is for you!

What can cause flooding in Ohio?

Heavy rainfall

The simplest answer is heavy rains. We are surrounded by infrastructure and systems that are designed to drain rainwater into appropriate reservoirs and basins. However, these systems get overwhelmed when it rains heavily, and the water cannot drain as quickly as it needs to.

Broken dams

When it rains heavily, the water level rises. Aging dams will fail and unleash water into commercial and residential areas.

Overflowing rivers

Sometimes rivers overflow their banks and cause flooding. Overflowing rivers happens when there's more water upstream than normal and as it flows downstream to the surrounding low-lying areas. 

Commercial flood prevention tips

Being prepared never hurts. If you know a natural disaster or an extreme storm is coming your way, call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek to protect your building from floodwaters, high winds, and flying debris. Our IICRC certified professionals can board your windows and detect the vulnerable spots of your commercial building. It may be necessary to install a dam-like effect around your building by using a flood barrier in some cases. Flood barriers are known to defend a building from rising floodwaters. Here are some other tips you may want to consider to prevent your property from flooding: 

• Assess your commercial property

Inspect your commercial property for areas where floods could pose problems and then make the necessary repairs or modifications as required.

• Consider basement and foundation repair.

If your property has a basement, then installing a sump pump, patching foundation walls, and caulking cracks could go a long way when it comes to keeping your basement building dry. 

• Flood-proofing

Consider flood-proofing the property if incoming water was a problem previously. As it is self-explanatory, flood-proofing gives your building protection from water damage. This means adding a protective seal or shielding to your property's outside walls to prevent floodwater from getting in.

• Improving Landscaping

Correctly landscape the building's exterior to allow water to flow away from the foundation of the building. Make sure the downspouts are located, so water from the roof drains away from your property.

• Remove debris

Cleaning debris off the roof, downspouts, gutters, and drains will stop potential water from backing up into your property.

Who to call for commercial flood restoration

SERVPRO is a renowned company known for helping commercial clients with flood prevention and flood mitigation. The SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek team is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and has over 50 years of experience in restoring all water damage types and working on home insurance claims. We offer 24/7 emergency services to our customers, so give us a call, and we will arrive shortly!

SERVPRO Will Remove Unwanted Water From Your Dayton Ohio Elevator Pit

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO have seen elevator pits full of water after a sprinkler sytem went off.

When there is water in your elevator pit, it is crucial to ensure that water is removed quickly to avoid corrosion or mold damage.

If there's water damage in your elevator pit, SERVPRO is here to serve and assist you in removing it. The technicians at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are certified by the IICRC in water damage restoration. When one of our technicians finds water damage in an elevator pit, the following four actions will occur: 

1. An appropriately qualified technician will perform the water extraction and ensure safe drying procedures. SERVPRO works on delivering high-quality restoration fast!
2. Find the source of the water loss. In some cases, the water is coming from a foundation leak; if this is the case, we will waterproof your foundation. 
3. The professionals at SERVPRO can get a sump pump professionally installed to ensure that there is never standing water in your elevator pit again.
4. Performing an antimicrobial treatment is necessary to stop potential mold growth.  

What is elevator pit water damage?

Here in Dayton, we have seen faulty plumbing pipes, sprinkler malfunctions, and severe weather to be the common reasons for standing water inside an elevator pit. It is common for pipes to burst in the wintertime, causing water damages to a commercial property. When a pipe breaks, it can affect many floors of a commercial property. 

An elevator pit is susceptible to collect water. No matter what floor water damage occurs on, water will likely collect in the elevator pit. Due to being an enclosed concrete underground area, an elevator pit is an excellent place for water to collect. 

When we detect the water in your elevator shaft is coming from a foundation crack, outside rainwater will make its way inside easily. Repairing a foundation crack is a serious job. We will ensure that your elevator is in functioning condition after we repair the foundation crack. 

How standing water leads to mold growth.

Standing water in an elevator pit will not result in mold growth when the water damage is detected in a short time frame. What will result in mold growth is when water sits for an extended period. Mold can quickly cause severe damages to a structure. Mold likes to feed off of humid, dark, damp areas. 

When water damage occurs, mold can start growing as soon as 48 hours. It is essential to call a restoration company in Dayton to avoid further damages. The professionals at SERVPRO will help you throughout any water damage disaster. Call the SERVPRO professionals at the first sign of water damage in an elevator pit; a dark, damp elevator pit makes a great home for mold growth. 

How can SERVPRO help?

SERVPRO provides high-quality solutions for water or flood damage to your elevator pit. With our team of highly experienced individuals, we promise to work with your elevator company and use our knowledge and expertise to dry your elevator pit. If our crews detect a foundation leak, the SERVPRO waterproofing experts will work on a plan to assure future damages don't occur. 

Water damage is more than disruption; it can be hazardous to your property. If there is water in your elevator pit, it's crucial to fix it immediately. If you want to overcome this problem with highly trained specialists, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to assist you 24/7. Contact us, and we will dispatch a crew to arrive within four to six hours!

How To Identify Hail Damage

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

One-inch sized hail balls will cause significant damages.

Hail Damage Affects Many Homeowners 

A storm that brings hail up to one inch in diameter is sure to deliver hail damage to your roof. You can count on there being severe roof damage if the hail is combined with high wind speeds. To identify hail damage to your property, look for structural destruction signs such as cracks or broken windows, dented siding, or damaged gutters.

Be mindful that small-sized hail balls can cause some hidden damages to your roof, so it is essential to contact restoration storm damage specialists for hail damage. Storm restoration specialists know how to inspect your roof after you get hit by a hailstorm, whatever size the hail may be. 

When hail strikes Dayton and surrounding areas, almost all homeowners will be affected by hail damage, either with more prominent or minor destruction to their property. Take into consideration that hail storms are unpredictable and can happen at any time of year. Without knowing the signs of storm damage, it will be difficult to determine how much damage a hail storm has done to your roof. 

Signs of hail damage

Hail damage can cause minor to major types of damages on your roof. It can crack or even shatter tough materials on the roof like shingles, clay, or concrete. While severe damages can be easy to spot, some more complicated issues can only be detected by a professional eye. Some common types of hail damages we see on roofing are:

• Dark patches
• Granules loss
• Bruised shingles
• Dents 
• Broken ends of shingles
• Splits on shingles

Hail damage insurance claim 

Before contacting your insurance company and filing a hail damage home insurance claim, it is recommended to hire professional help independently to evaluate the damage that a hail storm has done to your property and roof.

Insurance damage professionals know what kinds of documentation insurance adjusters are looking for and can help you file a claim. After they help you get the claim processed, they will then help with all property damage cleanup. When there is significant damage to your roof, the storm damage professionals will use mitigation tactics to save your home from further damages. 

Identifying hail damage

Did you know that a hail smaller than an inch in diameter can cause damage to your property? After a hailstorm hits, evaluating the hail's size can be the simplest way to identify what types of damage your property might have faced. Knowing the size of the hail balls that have damaged your property will be critical in the insurance claim process.

Various assessments are done depending on the hail size, and its damages increase with the increase in hail size. 

• ¾" Hail: This is the smallest measured hail, and it can cause considerable damages depending on the speed of the wind. It can damage the vinyl siding, windows, metal fascia, and also deck paint. Missing shingles have also been detected from wind and this size of hail. 
• 1" Hail: This size hits hard and will damage shingles and the underlayment of the roof. One inch hail can cause significant damage to gutters, siding, and fascia. High wind speed will cause damage.  
• 1 ¼" Hail: The damage is much more than the increase from 1". Even if it is not followed by wind, it can cause significant hail damage.
• 1 ½ Hail: This size may have substantial damage to your property. Depending on the duration, amount, and wind speed, it can result in disasters to your roof. 
• 1 ¾- 2" Hail: This size of hail can penetrate the roof and create damage to the underlayment, ridge caps, or even plastic vents. It can tear the siding off the roof, break the windows, and damage many metal fittings. 
• 2" Hail: This or higher proportions will cause significant damages to properties. When your property experiences this size hail ball, you need to immediately contact restoration professionals to avoid further damages.  

Does insurance cover hail damage?

In short, yes, but when your property undergoes hail damage, it is best to contact restoration contractors immediately to increase the likelihood of getting your insurance claim approved. The quicker you get your roof inspected after hail damage, the more likely you will avoid further damage. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek specializes in storm damage and will help with your hail damage repairs and offer insurance guidance. Call us anytime at (937) 228-3433. Our IICRC trained professionals are here to help you, 24/7.

What are Soot Webs After Fire Damages?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Soot webs are also known as black cobwebs

Soot webs are also known as black cobwebs 

A fire event in your house or property can be wild and unforgiving, causing unimaginable destruction. Not only does such an incident affect you emotionally and financially, but it also causes hidden damages such as lingering smoke damage and dark-colored soot webs hanging on walls- putting the health of your property at risk. Although these damages might not be as visible and noticeable, they might cause harm equivalent to the fire itself. 

SERVPRO is a reputable restoration company providing smoke and soot damage restoration services with its IICRC trained technicians and over-the-edge technology - to reinstate your property back to its original functional preloss shape in a relatively short time!

The aftermath, including smoke and soot released from the fire, can also cause the property to deteriorate and collapse. As soon as our 24/7 emergency restoration team reaches on-site, we inspect the site and perform several other tests to investigate any likely threats for future damages.

Our fire mitigation services include removing damaged components, or in this case, black cobwebs - using modern tools and suitable chemicals, evaluating property’s structural framing, clean up and deodorizing using odor counteractants - to help you with faster recovery with our efficient, prompt, and par excellence services!

What are soot webs?

We are often called up by our customers complaining of black spider webs in their post-fire-damaged properties, regardless of their weekly cleaning routine. While they sheepishly mistake it for their inadequate cleaning skills, being completely oblivious of the actual reason behind it.

During a fire, the burning of synthetic or petroleum-based material such as plastic, form, wood products, or paper can result in soot webs. The charged soot particles released from these sources stick together to make long chains of ionized soot, resulting in a web-like-structure known as black cobwebs. They are usually found on the ceilings and in the room corners due to low circulation in these areas. 

The build-up heat in a fire advances towards the structure’s cold places as the air seeks to attain atmospheric equilibrium. Thus the heat soot particles are carried away through the air towards the cold regions, where they concentrate - becoming soot webs. These smoke web structures are undoubtedly new, and as commonly perceived, they are not formed as a result of soot sticking to the cobwebs already existing before the fire outbreak.

How do you clean soot webs?

If, unfortunately, you find soot webs in your house or business property, never try to get rid of it on your own. Specialized training and machinery are necessary for cleaning soot webs. Cleaning soot webs on your own may lead to secondary damage and further trouble!

Depending upon the fire outbreak's nature, we strive to provide you with a solution well-suited to your restoration needs. SERVPRO, having years of experience in fire damage restoration, with its certified and efficient technicians and up-to-date tools and technology, assures to professionally assist you in removing smoke damage on walls!

While it's always good to educate yourself regarding precautionary methods to avoid getting yourself into any inconvenience; however, if you are caught in this unforeseen situation, do not panic; contact us right away.

4 Steps to Take When Finding Mold on Carpet

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on carpet after water damage.

Moldy Carpet can be tough to remove. Let us help. 

Recently we got a call from one of our customers complaining of a rotten egg smell in her living room, which she assumed was permeating as a result of a sewage leak. On inspection carried by our expert workers at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, we found that the smell was, in fact, due to the breeding of mold in the underlay of the room’s carpet.

An unfavorable musty smell and large discolored spots on the carpet is the most visible sign of mold growing in your house or property. To immediately get rid of it, it is essential to know the cause of the mold growth. Since mold spores can increase rapidly from one corner of your house to another, the sooner you combat it, the earlier you wipe out the mold from your home. 

4 DIY Steps to Take When Finding Carpet Mold 

1. Ventilate the Area: When handling mold on carpet, make sure to keep your area ventilated without letting mold spores spread to other areas of your house. Use fans to blow unwanted air out of the house, or you can block off other parts by using plastic sheets or closing doors. If possible, dry out the carpet in direct sunlight to minimize the chances of mold returning.
2. Scrub with a stiff bristle Brush: Scrub the moldy carpet with a brush and discard the scraped mold in a trash bag. Please do not use a non-HEPA vacuum as it could spread mold spores to other areas of your home.
3. Use Antimicrobial Spray: Use an antimicrobial spray with a ‘mold prevention label’ to thoroughly spray on the moldy area as well as the floor beneath and let it sit for an hour.
4. Dry the Carpet: Dry the carpet without using fans as this might spread out mold spores, resulting in more trouble; instead, turn on the heat up to let it dry naturally. 

What to do after cleaning mold on carpet? 

After you have cleaned mold on carpet, you can either dry it in direct sunlight, through ventilation, or using dehumidifiers, which help facilitate the drying process.

Once you have dried the affected area, your carpet is now mold-free! However, be alert and keep checking continuously for a month for any further signs of mold growth; so that you can declare your home free of mold.

How does mold grow on a carpet? 

Your carpet can be the perfect place for unwanted organisms to thrive. House mold spores are tiny organisms that grow in humid and damp areas. Besides giving off a musty and foul smell to your surroundings, mold spores quickly multiply. 

A typical mold invasion on the carpet is due to placing carpeting in the bathroom or basement: these are excessively damp areas. Since carpets are made up of cellulose fiber, it can retain dampness for a long time, providing a suitable living condition for mold germination and growth.

Mold growth can be due to the following reasons: high levels of humidity, poor maintenance, leaky pipes, or liquid spills. 

However, you can attempt to get rid of mold on your own only if it hasn’t spread and is only on a small portion of the carpeting. It is best to reach out to mold remediation professionals when the mold damages are more severe. 

How to prevent mold from growing on carpet flooring?

These are some of the best tips to prevent mold from growing on carpet:

• Inspect carpets Regularly
• Avoid installing carpet in humid areas
• Keep your house ventilated
• Use a dehumidifier
• Install synthetic carpet materials

Calling For Help 

Mold on carpet is the worst thing to experience if you have patients, kids, and pets around. If you ever come across this unfortunate situation, please contact us to get rid of the unwanted mold spores. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is available with mold damage professionals at your service 24/7. We strive to provide our customers with the highest quality and efficiency for Dayton mold removal services.

5 Steps To Take When a Pipe Breaks

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO ASAP when you first notice water damage!

Time is not on your side when your home has water damage 

A broken pipe in your home can cause a massive headache because, typically, it will result in water damage. We want our locals to be mindful and call a plumber when pipes in their property make noise or seem not to be working correctly. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is an IICRC certified water damage firm; the following five steps are steps that they believe in reducing the size of water damages from a broken water pipe: 

1) Shut Off The Water 

The first thing you need to do is locate your main water shut off valve and immediately turn off the water. Shutting off the main water line will avoid any extra water damage. Once you have turned off the water supply, turn on a couple of faucets in your home that are not linked to the damaged pipe; this way, the remaining water in the pipes will come out and relieve the water pressure.

Depending on the water leak location, it might be useful to turn the electricity supply off.

2) Contact A Plumber 

It is highly recommended that you call a local plumber to handle fixing any broken pipes. Calling a plumber will allow running water to be turned back on and to have your home or business back to a functioning manner. 

3) Remove The Water

After you contact a local plumber, you can start cleaning up any water that might have leaked inside the property to prevent any further damages or possible mold. It is good to call a water restoration company even if the broken pipe causes a small water leak. No matter the size, a water restoration company like SERVPRO will be able to handle both water and mold damage properly. They will install Air Movers and Dehumidifiers to ensure that your home is dry. 

4) Get Air In Tight Spaces 

Most of the time, your pipes are located behind walls. Without the knowledge of drying techniques, it will be hard to get air behind a wall. If you have pipes enclosed behind walls, cabinets, and doors, you should try to get air to pass through. Airflow will help move water particles into the air and be removed by a dehumidifier.   

5) Contact Your Insurance Company 

Nine out of ten times, SERVPRO has seen water damage from a broken pipe covered by the homeowner's insurance company. The best part about hiring SERVPRO for all water damage restoration services is that they will work with your insurance company to ensure you're getting the proper coverage out of your claim. 

Call SERVPRO Professionals

Right after a pipe breaks in your home, you can skip all steps and call SERVPRO directly to save time. SERVPRO has a water damage team available 24/7 and has built relationships with the best plumbing vendors in Dayton, OH. Remember, it is always better to be on the safe side and avoid any mold damages from a small water leak. We will take care of the work, contact your insurance company, and completely restore any damage caused by water and/or mold.

Call us at (937) 228-3433.

More About Dayton

Photoelectric vs. Ionization Smoke Detectors

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Photoelectric smoke detector

Choosing the right smoke detector will be a lifesaver when things go south. 

You never know when a fire will break out in your home or business. It is essential to take adequate measures to ensure that the loss is minimal when a fire breaks out. The ultimate goal is to control a fire before it’s too late. To be adequately prepared, it is essential to know the different types of smoke alarms. There are various kinds of smoke alarms, but the two that take the top spots are photoelectric smoke detectors and ionization smoke detectors. 

However, the question that arises is which among the two is a more suitable option. Well, let's find out!

What Are Photoelectric Smoke Detectors?

Photoelectric smoke detectors have been designed to read smoke patterns formed by smoldering and slow fires. These smoke detectors use a light-sensitive sensor that is steadily placed at a 90 degrees angle. When there is smoke around the detector, it agitates and scatters the light in the detector's chamber, causing it to initiate the smoke alarm. 

Some photoelectric smoke detectors available in the market come with the ability to detect carbon monoxide. Photoelectric smoke detectors and are highly efficient and also come with the following features:

• It makes use of a light sensitivity sensor to decipher the smoke present in the area.
• It is perfect for detecting fires that are characterized because of their slow and smoldering properties.
• It minimizes false alarms that might be activated due to shower or cooking steam.

What Are Ionization Smoke Detectors?

Contrastingly, ionization smoke detectors are better known for their higher efficiency in detecting fast flaming fires at a property. These smoke detectors make use of a small amount of radioactive material safely kept between a couple of electrically charged plates. Ionization smoke detectors consist of a smooth flow of ionized air. When there is smoke within the smoke detector's proximity, the ionized airflow will be disturbed, and it would immediately initiate the alarm system. 

Some advanced ionized smoke detectors available in the market come with a more efficient mechanism that detects carbon monoxide in the air and offers even more protection to you and your family. Here are some of its other features:

• These make use of a couple of electrically charged plates to detect any presence of smoke.
• It is ideal for detecting fires with faster flaming properties.
• These are more popular as compared to photoelectric smoke alarm systems due to market availability.

Which Is Better Among The Two Types of Smoke Alarms?

The little differences matter most, especially when your life is at stake. Imagine driving in a car with multiple airbags, but they fail to open when you get in an accident. How good are those airbags if they fail to serve their purpose? The same analogy goes for smoke detectors; how good is a smoke detector if it fails to initiate the alarm system when there is a fire in your home. That is why the SERVPRO professionals believe that it is essential to know the differences between the two kinds of smoke detectors and select the one that suits your property.

Firstly, photoelectric smoke detectors are designed to detect smoldering and slow fires compared to ionized smoke detectors that quickly detect faster flames. Ionized smoke detectors respond to fast fires about 30-90 seconds quicker than photoelectric smoke detectors. On the other hand, photoelectric smoke detectors detect smoke about a staggering 15-50 minutes quicker than ionized smoke alarms! The sad part is, there are several fatalities due to smoke inhalation, and not to fire.

The question remains the same, which smoke alarm should you choose for your property? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward, photoelectric alarm systems are far more preferable for residential properties. However, it can be argued that an ionized alarm system would be better for commercial properties as there is a much higher probability of a quickly flaming fire. But, if you want complete peace of mind and have enough time to prevent any fire damage, it is highly recommended that you go for a photosensitive smoke alarm.

What If There Is Some Fire Or Smoke Damage?

In the worst-case scenario, if there is some fire or smoke damage due to your alarm not being able to initiate on time or any other reason, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to help. As specialists in fire restoration, we will make sure everything goes back to normal in as little time as possible. We are available 24/7 and open 365 days a year!

Call us at (937) 228-3433.

More About Dayton

Essential Steps in the Home Insurance Claims Process

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

We have over 50 years of experience working with insurance repairs!

SERVPRO will help you file your home insurance claim when damages occur 

Insurance is considered a lifesaver whenever a person suffers a massive loss, whether financial or physical. The insurance company can cover all the costs you incur, keeping you safe from a huge debt or even bankruptcy. Whether you run a business or own any property, it is essential that you get coverage for it to protect you from the worst times. 

Say, for instance, you own a home and have it insured. What should you do if a fire breaks out on your property and burns down most of the house, or a massive storm destroys a part of your house? Well, lucky for you, you will be compensated for the losses suffered according to the terms of the agreement since you have insurance! Nevertheless, following some critical steps are necessary for filing a home insurance claim. 

This article will cover all you need to know about the process! Also, keep in mind that in this hypothetical example, we'll consider that the home in question has been a target of burglary.

Report The Problem To The Local Authorities

The first thing you need to do is report the burglary to the local police. Make sure everything is written down! The police report, names of the law enforcement, names of the police staff you talked to, and all other relevant items need to be documented accurately. These will be used as evidence in your home insurance claim and will help increase the success of getting your damages covered. 

Find Out The Insurer's Time Limit

The next thing you need to do is ask your insurance company how long you have to file a home insurance claim. It is essential for you to find it out yourself because the period for filing a home insurance claim varies according to the contract. It might be a week for one person, and maybe a month for another. 

Along with the time period, it would also be helpful if you asked the value of your coverage and whether you have any home insurance deductible or not. Moreover, getting to know about the time it would take for the home insurance claim to process and knowing the estimates for the damage can also be useful.

Take Precautionary Measures And Substantiate The Losses

The next thing you need to do is take some extra precautionary steps to make sure that there are minimal chances of such damage or loss occurring again. If there is a need for extra expenditures to ensure safety, keep the receipts with yourself and submit it to the insurance representative for when they come to your home for evaluation. 

Then, it would be best if you substantiated the losses by the time the insurance representative visits your home. A home inventory list of belongings would be best if you have stuff that gets stolen or damaged. This way, everything that would be covered under your insurance policy would be compensated for, and you would not have to pay a dime for their replacements! 

Keep Track Of Additional Costs

Although it is highly unlikely that you would have to move in with a friend, relative, or a hotel after a burglary, there still are some instances in other unfortunate events where you have no choice but to move. For instance, if your house catches fire, and most of it gets destroyed, you need a place to live temporarily. When you do, just make sure that you keep track of all the additional expenses you incur because of the damage to your house, and most insurers will reimburse them! This again, though, depends on the terms of your insurance policy!

The Insurers Send The Forms And An Adjuster

Once you have done everything from your side and sent a notice of the home insurance claim, the insurance company is required to send you the home insurance claim forms. All you need to do is fill the paperwork as soon as possible and submit them back to avoid any delays. 

Once the forms are filled out and submitted, the insurance company will send an adjuster to see whether everything is inline or not. The insurance company will then use the information the adjuster provides them to approve or reject the home insurance claim. As long as you are completely transparent to the adjuster and do the paperwork precisely, you won't have to worry about the home insurance claim being rejected!

Conclusion

That's all you need to do to file a home insurance claim. If your home suffers from fire or water damage and you want to use a restoration company that makes the process much more friendly and easy for you, make sure you contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for any home insurance repairs! SERVPRO is an insurance preferred vendor and has employees on call 24/7.

3 Vital Reasons Why You Need a Professional Sewer Restoration Company To Cleanup a Sewer Backup

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage restoration water contains bacteria and other pathogens.

The professionals at SERVPRO know that sewer water "category 3 water" contains microbes such as bacteria and other pathogens. Countless times we have heard about poorly mitigated sewage water causing severe illnesses. It is best for sewer backup restoration to occur immediately to prevent further damages. 

This post will go over three things that sewer backup restoration professionals look for during a category 3 water loss.

Mishandling a Category 3 water damage can be costly and potentially hazardous. Sewage restoration needs to be taken seriously by all involved parties. It may be overwhelming at first, but working with the right sewer backup restoration company will make the process less stressful.

Before we get started, please note that we do not recommend you do sewer restoration yourself. Please leave it to a category 3 water professional!

Why Choose SERVPRO For Sewer Restoration 

You will want to hire SERVPRO for the property damage because they are qualified to perform sewer damage cleanup. All of the SERVPRO heroes have been trained and follow the IICRC S500 Standard of Care for category 3 water damage restoration. Category 3 water is “grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents” (IICRC S500). 

The variables involved in sewer restoration create additional challenges in the cleanup process. The typical general contractors, handymen, and plumbers are not trained on sewage restoration processes. 

3 Vital Reasons To Hire A Professional Sewer Restoration Company 

1) Sewer Restoration Professionals Will Find the Cause

As soon as the emergency plumbing restoration professionals arrive on-site, they will begin to investigate the cause of the loss. The professionals at SERVPRO have seen the common cause of a category 3 water loss to be a faulty piping connection to your home. Having the guidance of an emergency plumbing restoration company by your side will be helpful. 

2) Sewer Restoration Professionals Disinfect the Right Way

It is common to see category 3 water to contain urine and feces. An emergency plumbing restoration professional will prioritize avoiding cross-contamination during the sewer backup restoration process to prevent illness from toxic biohazards. 

3) Sewer Restoration Professionals Prevent Mold 

Category 3 water paired with humidity makes an excellent breeding ground for mold growth. There is nothing worse than pairing a sewer restoration job with mold damage. A professional sewage restoration company will ensure that the area is dried correctly, well ventilated, and treated with antimicrobial to prevent future mold growth.

Outside of a professional emergency plumbing restoration company knowing how to find the cause, properly disinfect, and prevent mold, they also know what steps need to occur to keep all parties involved safe.  

Sewer Restoration Cleaning Steps

• Wear PPE - Wearing a full PPE suit is essential when dealing with category 3 water. Waterproof gloves and rubber boots will ensure that the sewage does not spread and does not come in direct contact with the sewer restoration professional.
• Bag Damaged Materials – It is best practice to start by removing all wet carpet and padding to be disposed of appropriately. You will see the sewer restoration professionals use bags to pack up all porous materials such as clothes, cardboard, and books. Porous materials that have been in contact with category 3 water are not salvageable. 
• Remove Salvageable Items – Salvageable items include plastic items, dishes, toys, and glass furniture. All salvageable items should be removed and taken to an offsite location for cleaning.
• Use Ciontaminate Barriers – It is essential to prevent the spread of sewage to places that have not been affected by category 3 water. Sewer restoration professionals will use containment barriers to contain the areas that have been affected.
• Start the Cleanup – After removing all the salvageable and non- salvageable items, the water-extracting process can occur. 
• Dry The Damaged Area – The sewer restoration professionals will use dehumidifiers and fans to remove all the water particles in the air. In some cases, it is a good idea to open your home's windows to allow fresh air to help with the smell. 

Conclusion

As you have learned today, hiring a professional sewer restoration company to do the cleanup will help you rest easy, knowing that the category 3 water cleanup will mitigate all sewage dirt from your home. Sewage restoration professionals have the proper equipment to dry and prevent mold growth. Only the highest quality of antimicrobial products will keep your home safe from fungi, parasites, pathogens, and bacteria caused by category 3 water.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek performs sewer restoration services throughout Ohio in the greater Dayton, Xenia, Beavercreek, Riverside, and Spring Valley regions. We are available 24/7 for emergency sewer backup restoration.

Xenia Water Bill Skyrockets After Water Damage

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

High water bills can be caused from underground pipe leaks

A small leak in an underground pipe can cause residents to have an outrageously expensive payment for their Xenia water bill.

There are many reasons why a Xenia city water bill may be high. A reason that SERVPRO has seen a high Xenia water bill is due to an underground pipe burst. An underground pipe burst can go unnoticed for months especially when the home has a crawl space. 

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO ASAP if your home or business has water damage. Our teams are ready to tackle any size disaster.

Crawl Space Water Damage 

A crawl space is an area under a xenia home. They are typically 1 to 3 feet high located between the ground and the home's first floor. The disadvantage of a crawl space is that they can harbor moisture, especially when a pipe bursts. When water damage from a pipe burst goes unnoticed, you can expect there to be a mold issue as well. 

A leak or water usage change most often results in a high Xenia water bill payment. The most common causes of high Xenia water bills include the following.

Causes of High Xenia Water Bills

A high Xenia water bill payment is most often caused by a leak or a change in water usage. The most common causes of high Xenia water bills include:  

• A leaking toilet
• A toilet that continues to run after being flushed
• A dripping faucet
• Filling of a swimming pool
• Watering the lawn
• Automated irrigation systems
• Water-cooled air conditioners
• A broken water pipe 

As you can see, there are many causes for a high Xenia water bill. We have witnessed many local Xenia residents upset after water damage. They have all the reasons to be upset, too; they will have to pay for water damage restoration and the wasted water.

SERVPRO cares about the environment and is never happy to hear about wasted water from an underground pipe bursting.   

Paying A High Xenia Water Bill

A typical family household of four uses about 4000-5000 gallons of water a month. More water consumption occurs during the summer season due to pools, gardening, and watering of lawns.

When you receive a high Xenia water bill, you must pay it as soon as possible to avoid any late fees. You can pay a Xenia rural water bill pay online or mail a check to the water utility center.    

In Conclusion

If you are a resident of Xenia who keeps receiving an abnormal Xenia water bill, it is important to call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek to inspect your home. One of our IICRC certified professionals will come out and check your crawl space and any other potential areas where water damage may be present. 

SERVPRO is an industry leader in the restoration niche but can provide construction services as well. When water damage occurs, the SERVPRO Ohio team will come out and mitigate the water damage and then rebuild your property “Like it never even happened.”  

Call us at (937) 228-3433.

More About Xenia

Free 5 Part SERVPRO Checklist For Basement Flooding

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24/7 for all emergency services!

This post will evaluate what property owners should consider before, during, and after Beavercreek flooding occurs. As a reputable storm damage restoration company in Dayton, Ohio, we believe that homes damaged by powerful storms should seek assistance from a reputable restoration company to repair the damage. 

In Ohio, hazardous weather conditions can cause river flooding, wind damage, ice damming, and floodwater to damage your property. In the winter months, ice damage and hail damage are the leading cause of Ohio storm damage.

5 Part Checklist For Basement Flooding

1. Make safety a priority. Before you call your local SERVPRO for water restoration services from flooding, it is essential to check if power lines surrounding your property are down before any storm remediation occurs. Take extra precautions around broken down electrical lines. Please refrain from making contact with any fallen electrical lines. Water is a conductor for electrical currents; a single touch can send high voltage through the human body, causing severe damage. 
2. Assess your roof for damage. Once storm damage occurs in Ohio, it is essential to have a professional inspect your roof for damage and roof leaks. When a professional gets on site, he will be checking for missing shingles and fallen branches that have hit the roof or gutters. In severe cases, especially in the winter months, hail damage or ice damage can cause holes in the roof of your home. When you call a SERVPRO professional to inspect your roof, it will also be useful to have the professional evaluate the property for any other potential damages like frozen pipes. 
3. Contact your Insurance Agent ASAP. Anytime there is damage to your home, it is best to see if your Insurance company can cover the damages. SERVPRO has partnerships with a wide array of insurance companies and will help with your home insurance claim. 
4. Inspect Your Belongings. After a flood occurs in your home or business, it is most likely that some of your personal belongings have undergone water damage. We have helped customers process claims that included damage to computers, televisions, and cell phones. With the proper documentation and pictures, your insurance company should approve restoration to all your electronics that have suffered damages.  
5. Check for Your Property For Wind Damage. Wind damage can cause damage by flying debris colliding with your property. Storm damage can create cracked windows, holes, and damage to your properties roof. Restoration professionals know that wind damage weakens walls and causes wall slants or cracks, resulting in more repairs if not assessed quickly. 

Types of Storm Damage in Ohio 

Ohio sufferers from multiple different types of storms a year. Depending on the kind of storm will dictate the type of home restoration needed.  

Types of storm damages include:

• Hurricane Damage
• Tornado Damage
• Hail Damage
• Ice Damage
• Damage from river flooding
• Wind Damage

As the weather starts to change, the storm damage professionals at SERVPRO are ready to handle any size disaster. In the winter months, snowstorms can cause frozen pipes to expand and possibly burst. Anytime you notice a frozen pipe, it is best to turn the water off and call a plumbing professional to repair the frozen pipe.

If your home or business has suffered damage from a storm, it is best to call a reputable company like SERVPRO. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is independently owned and operated by the Shooter brothers. There is no damage size that SERVPRO crews can't handle. 

Call us at (937) 228-3433.

More About Dayton. 

State Farm Covers Water Damage To Your Home

9/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our IICRC certified firm is available 24/7 to help mitigate your water damages.

State Farm has added ambiguous language added to their water damage coverage clause. When water damage occurs in your home, it may be more challenging to get the money needed to restore your home.

Fortunately, the team at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek has over twenty years of experience working in insurance damage repairs. The SERVPRO team will work closely with homeowners and have built relationships with insurance companies like State Farm to ensure that everyone is treated fairly regarding all water damage losses. 

How Do Insurers Typically Determine Coverage?

A standard home insurance policy requires water damage to be sudden and internal. The team at SERVPRO has typically seen covered water damages that have occurred from: 

• Rain and storm damage 
• Broken plumbing such as burst pipes, frozen plumbing, faulty plumbing, overflowing (toilet, tubs, washing machines)
• Water damage from the fire department
• A roof leak 

Difficult water damage coverages

In some cases, water damages are more challenging to be covered because they are not accidental or unexpected. We have seen homeowners be declined coverage due to neglect and lack of home maintenance. If your home has water damage resulting from negligence, then most likely, you will be the one having to pay for the repairs. 

Here are the situations where a homeowner may have more difficulty getting State Farm to cover the water damage restoration:

• Flooding
• Ground seepage
• Poorly-maintained pipes leading to leaks

Many Dayton homeowners are not aware that their standard policy won’t cover any water damage resulting from a flood. We suggest that you purchase additional flood damage insurance if your home is susceptible to flooding. 

SERVPRO Relationships With Insurances

SERVPRO has a partnership with insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate. With this partnership, we have an easier time getting water damage claims approved over other restoration companies. 

We have heard stories about homeowners using other restoration companies that do not have a partnership with an insurance company and getting their claims denied even after the work has been performed. In some cases, we understand that the damages need to be cleaned up ASAP, but please ensure that the claim is approved prior to work being performed. The last thing that we want a homeowner to go through is a water loss and paying for the loss out of pocket. 

By having a strong relationship with Statefarm, we can not guarantee that your insurance claim will get approved. Still, we will say that we have a higher chance of quickly getting water damage claims approved over other restoration companies. 

We rarely run into problems with insurance companies that have partnerships with us. 

As stated at the beginning of this post, Statefarm and other insurance companies have ambiguous language in their policies. We think it is essential for homeowners to be aware of the strong relationships that we have with insurance companies to avoid getting the runaround from an insurance adjuster. 

Call the professionals at SERVPRO to help you when your home or business suffers from a water loss. We are available 24/7 and open 365 days a year!

Call us at (937) 228-3433

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SERVPRO Asbestos Abatement Dayton Ohio

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for asbestos abatement services!

If you plan on remodeling and find asbestos-containing materials, the best thing to do is to have it removed professionally. A storm or other natural disaster can expose asbestos; fortunately, SERVPRO can help with the property restoration and asbestos removal. SERVPRO knows that asbestos removal is complicated. When you hire a trained and accredited asbestos professional, you ensure safety for you and the members of your home. 

What is asbestos?

All property owners who have a property that was built before 1970 need to be aware of asbestos. Asbestos is a carcinogen that was used extensively in building materials leading up to the 1970s. 

You can typically find asbestos in: 

• Vermiculite insulation
• 9”x9” floor tiles
• Acoustic ceiling tiles
• White tape on heating ducts
• Insulation on boiler pipes and boilers
• Old asbestos cement siding
• Glues used under flooring

Testing Your Home For Asbestos 

If your property has asbestos, it does not necessarily have to be removed. The only time asbestos becomes an issue is when the asbestos-containing materials in your home are damaged. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is more dangerous to disturb asbestos because it can be harmful if it gets inside a pair of lungs. When you hire an asbestos abatement professional, you will get the asbestos removed and tested for the type. 

Types of asbestos

There are six varieties of asbestos:

1. Actinolite
2. Chrysotile
3. Amosite
4. Anthophyllite
5. Crocidolite
6. Tremolite

Typically we find chrysotile or amosite asbestos in Dayton Ohio homes built before 1970. 

What is the issue of being exposed to Asbestos?

Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. It is said that exposure to asbestos has a higher risk than smoking. Lung disease from asbestos may take many years to develop following exposure. 

Three of the significant health effects associated with asbestos exposure 

1. Lung cancer, 
2. Mesothelioma, 
3. Asbestosis 

SERVPRO Asbestos Removal Process 

When SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek discovers asbestos at your property, we will begin by sealing the part of the building where the asbestos is being removed to avoid contamination. 

To seal off part of the property, we will use polyethylene film, duct tape, and negative air pressure machines fitted with HEPA filters. 

The polyethylene film and duct tape don’t allow air-borne asbestos fibers to travel to other parts of the home or building. The negative air pressure machine pulls fresh air into the asbestos area while not allowing any asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment.

ASBESTOS: WHAT NOT TO DO 

Never try to handle the asbestos abatement on your own. We have heard stories of property owners using a regular vacuum to clean asbestos fibers. An ordinary vacuum cleaner will expel the asbestos fibers into the room air. Even if you use a regular vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter, it is still not safe. Asbestos cleaning requires a unique vacuum cleaner designed for asbestos removal.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos?

Asbestos removal costs vary depending on the amount of work. 

SERVPRO is here to help!

For more information on asbestos abatement, check out The federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency site on asbestos abatement information and protecting your family from asbestos.

Please give SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek a call if you are looking for a reputable company to remove asbestos in Dayton Ohio. We have all of the qualifications to handle any size disaster and are available 24/7 for emergency services.

CAll: (937) 228-3433.

Protect Your Dayton Property With SERVPRO Board Up Services

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our crews are ready to come out and board up your property!

Emergency board up services to your Dayton property can help keep more damage from happening after a storm or vandalism strikes.

The Main three calls for Board Up Services 

1. Storm Damage (Before/After)
2. Fire Damage 
3. Vandalism 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek is aware of the horrific damage a storm and tornado can leave in its tracks. Many commercial property owners have been using us for boarding up services before or after a storm or tornado damage hits Dayton. 

Unfortunately, during a storm, it is common for windows and other entrances to break, leaving your commercial building susceptible to unwanted pests and future damages. We have experienced situations where animals have continued to destroy the damaged property by urinating and trashing properties that were not boarded up after a storm.

Board Up Services For Fire Damage 

After a fire occurs, you must call SERVPRO to perform board up services to prevent outdoor elements from causing further damage to your property. 

When we receive the call that you would like board-up services after a fire occurs, we will analyze the property damage to ensure that there is no standing water in your property from the water used by the Dayton fire department.

If there is standing water in your property, it will be essential to ensure that we get the structure of the building is dry as quickly as possible to avoid mold growth. 

In the most severe fire damages, we have found that the three main types of damages affect a property. The main three types of damages are fire, water, and mold damage. It isn't easy to restore a property that has undergone all three types of damages. Calling a professional company like SERVPRO is essential, to avoid all three types of damages from occurring. You can rely on us. We are a reliable and experienced company ready to handle any size disaster. 

As you can see, SERVPRO offers board up services and restoration services when a fire occurs at your commercial property; we also provide board up services for other scenarios. 

Vandalism Board up Services 

SERVPRO 24 hour board up includes glass board up services for our Dayton property owners. Earlier this year we received many calls after news channels were covering riots and looting occurring in Dayton, Ohio. We were there to help our residents board up their properties. At SERVPRO, we want to make sure that your greatest investment is adequately secured when vandalism strikes. 

When your building has been affected by vandalism, we will send out crews to properly board up your business to ensure your valuables are safe. Our 24/7 support team is ready to receive calls to board up local businesses that have been looking to prevent vandalism. When we secure business with board up services, we are helping prevent severe damages and theft from occurring.  

It is better to be prepared next time high winds, fire damage, and vandalism strike your property. SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek Board up services helps avoid more damage to your property. If you experience damage to your Dayton property that requires board up services, please call the professionals at SERVPRO (937) 228-3433.

More About Dayton  

What Is Considered Smoke Damage? A Simple List of the 5 Pesky Types

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage Cleaning Professionals in Dayton Ohio

SERVPRO smoke damage repair specialists help homeowners identify what to include in their fire damage claim  

Cleaning smoke damage is an extensive process. Depending on the size of the fire damage, cleanup can take days to months to perform. Worst-case scenarios require removing and replacing damaged drywall to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If your home has recently suffered from a fire loss, you may wonder what is considered smoke damage for insurance purposes.

Insurance companies have a strict set of protocols and documentation they require to qualify for coverage. This article will go into detail about the different types so you can know what to expect!

Smoke damage inspections.

After a fire occurs in your home, the first step is to contact a certified fire damage restoration professional, like SERVPRO. The following inspection will gauge the extent of the smoke damage. 

During this inspection, the fire damage professional will determine which type of smoke damage has affected your home. There can be different types within different areas, depending on the nature of the fire damage.

SERVPRO bases our cleaning procedures based on the information identified during the soot and smoke damage testing.

The 5 types of smoke damage

Five types of smoke damage can affect your walls and ceilings after a home fire–SERVPRO smoke damage repair crews offer services to clean the following type of residues:

1. Wet smoke residues. Wet smoke residues result from smoldering fires with low heat. This type has residues that are incredibly sticky, smeary, and possess pungent odors. This type of residue is the most common type of smoke damage that occurs in Dayton home fires. 
2. Dry smoke residues. Dry smoke residues come from scorching fires. This type of smoke residue is often dry, powdery, and small. 
3. Protein residues. Protein residues are notorious for discoloring the paint and wallpaper on your walls. Protein residues leave an extremely pungent odor. During the SERVPRO smoke damage cleaning, the professional will install an air purifier to deal with the resultant smell from this type of smoke.
4. Fuel oil soot. The best example of fuel oil soot is a furnace puff back. This type of smoke damage takes the form of thick black smoke filled with particles–these particles are the soot. 
5. Smoke webs. Smoke webs are residues from plastics and other synthetic materials. They form long chains of ionized smoke particles that stick to the walls and ceilings of your home.

Before starting the smoke damage cleanup and restoration process, the homeowner must stop the soot from spreading through the centralized air system. To complete this crucial step, shut off the air conditioning or heating and open all doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter. This action ensures that smoke and soot particles aren’t throughout the rest of the house.  

Smoke damage cleanup tips.

The smoke damage cleaning process begins after the inspection and initial assessment. A trained professional will dust and vacuum any loose soot and smoke particles that have been created by the house fire. 

Next, the professional will use a dry-cleaning sponge (chemical sponge) for any walls and other hard surfaces. The chemicals within the sponge remove the smoke and soot stains. 

Water and any other liquid chemicals will spread the soot, making the affected area more extensive and, therefore, the cleanup more difficult. For this reason, we never use water or any soot cleaner before using the specialized sponge. 

Smoke damage cleaning products.

The smoke damage repair process begins with an inspection by fire damage restoration professionals. During this, they will evaluate the type of smoke your particular fire created, what kind of damage is present, and the materials damaged during the event. 

The smoke damage type will determine what kind of cleaning products are required. Our arsenal contains industrial-grade products to clean every type of smoke damage–from the basic to the most severe.

Ohio fire damage restoration.

SERVPRO smoke damage cleaning crews are the best in Ohio. When you are looking to hire a fire damage restoration company, make sure that they have the knowledge and ability to clean all size disasters.

If your home has recently suffered from a fire damage loss in Dayton, Ohio, call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek to clean up the smoke damage. Our Dayton clean up crews are highly skilled and are available 24/7. Call us today! (937) 228-3433 

More About Dayton

Best Water Damage Equipment To Find Hidden Damages In A Beavercreek Home

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Infared is an essential tool to find hidden water damages.

Our SERVPRO experts have taken hours of training to identify what is causing the water damage in your Beavercreek home. Although the professionals have hours of training, finding the source of the water damage would be very difficult without the use of professional water damage equipment. In this post, you will learn about the different types of equipment that we use to make sure your home is restored most efficiently. 

SERVPRO Water Damage Drying Equipment Is Ready To Use For Beavercreek Oh Water Damage Restoration

There are countless reasons why you should rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. Still, the number one reason is that the owners Gary and Greg Shooter have taken the time to train their staff on the importance of being honest and deliberate while performing all restoration work. 

The training offered at SERVPRO lets our professionals know the best steps to take when your Beavercreek home needs mitigation. Our experts will protect your home from further damages. 

When you see a SERVPRO truck parked in your driveway, you can guarantee that the technicians are helping families fight the damage that happened to their house as quickly as possible. The technicians and project managers must be able to find all of the sources of damages rapidly. 

When SERVPRO technicians are called to mitigate a Beavercreek home after water damage, an infrared imaging device will be used. An infrared imaging device is a piece of equipment work to help SERVPRO professionals locate water leaks, materials that are retaining moisture, and other damp locations within the home.

How Does An Infrared Imaging Device Work?

An Infrared imaging device picks up temperature differences in materials and on surfaces. Water cools almost all materials enough to produce a difference in temperature; the sensitive cameras will pick them up and show them as blue on the screen of the device. These highly-technical cameras can find water damage in the most challenging locations, saving your home from potential mold growth. 

After our technicians locate water leaks, drips, or damp materials, they will determine the exact amount of moisture with a moisture meter. A moisture meter is essential in our crew's tool bag because they use them to dictate when any wet materials have achieved the drying goal. 

To achieve the drying goals, we will need to strategically place dehumidifiers and air movers to ensure that all of the moisture is being moved out of the home. This process works because the air movers move the water particles, and then the dehumidifiers extract the water in the air. 

We must always act quickly when water damage occurs in your home. The possibility of microbes growing happens only after a short period of exposure to water. While we are drying the damaged areas of your home, we will be spraying an antimicrobial agent to ensure that mold growth does not occur. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek owns all of its equipment. You will never see us with water damage restoration equipment rentals. Our professionals can help make any size water damage disappear. You can contact us by calling (937) 228-3433. We are open every day of the year to serve the residents of Beavercreek!

The Dangers of Lightning During A 45404 Storm | SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are available for emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When considering how a thunderstorm can cause damage to a Dayton home, there are two main types of damage that happen are flooding and wind damage. Although these are the typical two types of damages to occur, it is essential to consider the risks associated with lightning to your home or business. 

Did you know that lightning can occur even in the absence of precipitation? It's true; the name of this type of storm is called a dry thunderstorm. Did you also know that lightning bolts can be up to 500,000 degrees? Lightning causes damage and even fatalities in whatever they strike. At SERVPRO, we want our Dayton locals to understand what lightning is and how it can affect their home or business. With this information, we hope to help homeowners prevent the risks of lightning and storm damage.

How Do Thunderstorms and Lightning Coexist?

When we looked into Thunderstorms and lightning, we found that all thunderstorms contain the electricity that makes a lightning strike possible. 

A lightning strike is a rapid burst of electricity that occurs when this charge becomes agitated.

Lightning is always searching for an ideal lightning conductor, which is why lightning tends to strike metal objects. When a Dayton home has been struck, lightning will usually forge the path to finding a metal conductor within the metal water pipes and home wiring.

How Lightning Damage Affects Homes

There are many dangers surrounding thunderstorms. Your home might suffer from water damage, but the real issue occurs when lightning strikes a house. Here are three main problems that can occur: 

1) Fire Damage When a fire strikes home, you are guaranteed to be left with a fire damage loss. As mentioned earlier, lightning has temperatures up to about 500,000 degrees; it's hot enough to ignite any building materials in its way. Additionally, when lightning travels through your home wires, they will fray, creating fire hazards throughout your home. 

2) The risk of power surges. A power surge that can affect any electronic device plugged in that is not routed through a surge protector will be affected when lightning strikes. The electrical charge that lightning has can quickly transfer that to the wiring in the home and affect all appliances. We have heard several stories from customers who had had to replace appliances and video game consoles from lightning strikes. 

3) The risk of shock waves. Shock waves can crack chimneys, break windows, and explode cinder blocks. Shock waves are typically caused by thunder, but they can also occur at the lightning strike site, causing them to be hazardous to a home’s structure.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek has the knowledge and labor power to clean up any size disaster. We do not get many calls that consist of lightning strikes, but we are prepared when they do happen. We are a local restoration company that you can trust and rely on to be onsite quickly. If your home has recently suffered from a storm damage loss, please contact us. We will get your home or business back to prior loss conditions "Like it never even happened."

4 Major Storm Protection Tips For Your Wilmington Home

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

We are roof damage repair specialist!

Storm damage is common in Ohio, and we want our Wilmington homeowners to have a protection plan in place to avoid severe damages. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek is located in midwest America, which means we have a lot of different weather that we experience throughout the year. The residents of Wilmington experience strong winds from tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and snowstorms throughout the year. To help protect your most valuable asset, we have created 4 ways to protect your home from a storm. When your home suffers from storm damage, SERVPRO will make it "Like it never even happened."

1. Clear away patio items

When the weather channel advises that a storm is going to pass, the Wilmington residents must make sure that all of their lawn furniture, gardening tools, and sporting equipment are stored away in a secure space. High winds during a heavy storm will potentially pick up your yard items and send them flying through a window or damage your home's siding. Securing loose outdoor items during a storm event can protect your house from unnecessary damage.

2. Trim dead tree branches 

The time is now to examine the trees that surround your property. Each year SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek receives hundreds of calls that are from branches falling and damaging a Wilmington home. 

Heavy storms will often snap large tree branches that can damage your home's siding, roofing, decks, and windows. Storms can even topple power lines and cause power outages to Wilmington neighborhoods. If there is a tree on your property with a clear loose connection, consider hiring an arborist to remove the dead branches. Removing the dead branches and trees in your yard may be expensive, but it will save you in the long run from damage to your home.

3. Invest in a generator 

Tree branches can easily fall and snap the power lines. We have also seen first hand the power outages caused by lightning strikes. When lightning blows up a power transformer, you can guarantee major power outages will occur. To protect your home from potential power outages, we recommend investing in a quality power generator. With all of the storms that hit Ohio, investing in a generator is a great way to protect your home during storms and constantly back up. Our Owner Gary Shooter has invested in numerous generators to help keep us up and running when a storm hits Wilmington. We can power the equipment that we place in your home with our generators. 

4. Water-proof your home

Rainstorms can lead to flooding, which can potentially major damage to your Wilmington home. Water damage devalues a house and causes significant problems with the foundation. The best way to ensure that your home is safe from potential water damage is to check for foundation leaks, clean out gutters, and replace broken windows. Also, be mindful of any pooling in the yard. Pooling is a clear indicator that drainage issues are making your home more susceptible to water damage.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can come out and make sure your home is ready to fight against storm damage. If you would like one of our professionals to evaluate your home, please give us a call at (937) 228-3433 

These four tips should help you be prepared in case of emergency, but if damage has already occurred, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO to clean up the damage. We are available 24/7 365 days a year. 

More about Wilmington. 

5 Smoke Damage Clean Up Tips To Get Rid Of The Lingering Smell

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

On this job, we had to perform extensive smoke damage clean up.

After a house fire occurs in your home, there will be immediate impacts that can be concerning. 

Fire damage can leave a property owner questioning the next steps in getting rid of the smoke smell in the affected areas. The professionals at SERVPRO know that the smoke smell is caused by smoke damage that has ingrained on your walls and in the fabric of your furniture. Though the smoke damage smell is difficult to remove, it is not impossible. In this post, we will go through 5 tips on removing the smoke smell from your home. We want our Dayton residents to know that fire damage is enough to deal with and that we want to help ease the unnecessary tension caused by the smoke smell. 

How to Quickly Get Rid of That Smoke Smell? 

At SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek, we have seen black soot covering all of the surfaces of a home after a severe fire occurs. On harder surfaces, we have found that the smoke smell will leave with time, but on softer surfaces (drapes, furniture cushions, carpet flooring), the smells will soak in. Taking specific measures are necessary to remove any smoke damage smells in your home. Here are the 5 smoke damage clean up tips to ease the cleaning process. 

1. Ventilation

After a fire occurs in your home, it is essential to keep every door and window open for a full day so that fresh air passes through the home. Fresh air is critical to remove unwanted smoke damage smells. We also recommend placing many fans facing out of the house to help the ventilation process. Letting a smoke-damaged house breathe will get you ahead of the game before any significant smoke damage clean up occurs.  

2. Home Remedy (Baking Soda)

One of the more natural methods for smoke damage clean up for getting rid of the smoke smell out of soft surfaces (drapes, furniture cushions, carpet flooring) is using baking soda. If you choose to use baking soda, we recommend starting with the carpeting of your home by sprinkling baking soda on your damaged carpets and massage the powder into the carpet with a broom. After an overnight soak vacuum the carpets the next day. The goal here is for the baking soda to neutralize the smoke damage smell. If the smell does not come out in the first round of this method, we recommend doing this over and over until it does. The baking soda treatment does not solely work on carpeting; you can do this method on all of your soft surfaces by following the same procedures. 

3. The power of vinegar 

Your home's washing machine can clean soft fabrics such as drapes, sheets, blankets, and damaged clothing. When cleaning these types of fabrics in your washing machine, we recommend using regular daily washing detergent with a cup of white vinegar. White vinegar is a deep, heavy-duty cleaner that can remove that unwanted smoke smell from any of your damaged fabrics. 

 For harder surfaces (like walls and countertops) affected by smoke damage, we recommend creating a solution to remove the smoke damage smell. The top-secret heavy-duty solution includes a quarter cup of white vinegar and a teaspoon of dish soap for every gallon of water. Once the solution has been all mixed up, place the solution in a spray bottle, and spray every hard solid surface in your house with it. For best practices, give the sprayed down surfaces time to sit and then wipe them with a clean cloth. 

4. Dish Soap 

For all items that are removable and hard like children's toys, light fixtures, and window screens, we recommend soaking these items using dish soap filled in a bathtub. Soak for as long as you need to remove the unwanted smell of smoke damage. 

5. Call you local Professionals.

We understand that we just gave you some home remedies to remove the unwanted smoke damage smell from the surfaces of your home. Keep in mind that smoke damage cleanup is not the most straightforward task to perform, especially when it is extensive. For any smoke damage clean up job, it is best to call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek. We have all of the industrial cleaning equipment ready to give all of the surfaces and contents of your home a thorough cleaning. 

Don't Ignore the smoke damage smell in your home

The smoke and soot cleaning trained professionals here at SERVPRO are here to ease your tension after you have experienced fire damage. When we get that initial call, we will come and assess the damage and then create smoke damage clean up plan so that your house gets a thorough clean. Our fire restoration professionals make sure to remove all signs of soot and remove that unwanted smoke smell. We help residential and commercial customers in Dayton, Ohio, restore their affected property. Contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek at (937) 228-3433 for all home restoration needs and questions.

For more information about Dayton

5 Actionable Steps To Take When Water Damage Occurs in Miamisburg, OH

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help fight water damage in Miamisburg

SERVPRO Professionals Perform Restoration for Commercial Water Loss in Miamisburg Ohio 

This past spring, the residents of Miamisburg knew that a three-day storm left many with flooded basements and newfound leaks. Our phones were non stop ringing with a total count of two hundred calls on the second day of rainfall. When heavy rain occurs, we place ourselves in what we call a storm response. Our professionals know that during a storm event, they can expect to work longer hours to help the local homeowners fight water damage. 

Miamisburg Restaurant Water Damage 

In the image above, you can see a couple of air movers placed in a Miamisburg restaurant. The restaurant had water damage caused by a leak in the roof that made its way through the walls. This particular drying setup was used to help dry the ceiling as quickly as possible so that the business could begin serving customers again. 

When a local restaurant suffers from a water loss, we do our best to get the building dry as quickly as possible. We know that small business owners own many restaurants and that revenue is lost every day that they are closed. In this particular incident, the owner was fortunate because we received the call after business hours allowing us to do all demolition overnight. The owner was able to keep their restaurant open the whole time while we were drying the property. 

Insurance covers commercial water damage.

Anytime water damage affects a Miamisburg home or business, we let our customers know that they have two options for paying for the damages. 

1. Pay for the damages out of pocket 
2. Submit a claim to their insurance company 

Paying for damages out of pocket 

The typical trend that we have noticed here at SERVPRO Miamisburg is that smaller water damages usually are paid for by the owner. An owner may decide to pay for the water loss out of pocket because insurance companies may increase your insurance rates after a claim. 

Submitting a claim  

More substantial water losses are advised to be forwarded to the owner's insurance provider. The reason that we suggest this is because the damages can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In the case of the Miamisburg restaurant, the small business could not pay for the damages without help from insurance because of the extensive damage that the ceiling had undergone. 

Appliances and electronics affected by water damage

We are here to help if appliances (like a point of sales system) are affected by a water loss. We do not take care of water-damaged electronics in-house, but we have a preferred vendor to fix broken appliances. Please note that our preferred vendor can't save all appliances. In some cases, it is better to buy new appliances.   

Miamisburg Restoration Contact 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek proudly serves the Miamisburg, OH community. We have been called for small water losses where a basement has had a flood to significant tornado damage losses. We want our Miamisburg residents to know that no matter what the job's size may be, we can help every step of the way. If your home or business has suffered from recent water damage, please contact our office ASAP at  (937) 228-3433.

More about the city of Miamisburg.

The Story Behind Tornado Damage In Xenia Ohio

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Tornado damage in Xenia, Ohio 1974

Xenia Ohio residents know that tornado damage is widespread and should always prepare for damage to their home. 

Xenia Tornado of 1974

In 1974 a severe F5 Tornado whipped through the city of xenia stripping away roofs, windows and leaving apartments as open as a child's playhouse. This tornado is still the record for one of the worst tornadoes to ever touch down in the United States. The complete report of this tornado destruction came out totaling 1,150 injured and killing a total of 35.

Xenia Tornado of 2000

On September 20, 2000, another tornado touched down in Xenia, causing a bunch of destruction. This tornado was not as severe as the F5 tornado in 1974, but it was still damaging given the rating of an F4. Fortunately, only 100 people were injured compared to the 1,150 injury count in 1974. It took a few years for the repairs to make the city of Xenia as if not destruction occurred. 

How does the force behind a tornado cause home damage?

Tornado damage is caused by the air pressure inside of a structure and the air outside. When a tornado passes over a building, low pressure tugs a home or business roof upwards. The extreme wind then exerts a high pressure that pushes any roof up from the sides of the building. When the force of the wind surpasses the force exerted by the roof's weight, you can guarantee that the roof will be swept away. Not to mention the broken windows and all of the other flying debris that can cause more damage to your property.

Tornado waterspouts 

There is a misconception that tornadoes do not carry water. A false conception because in Xenia, we have found that water damage typically occurs when a tornado passes. The reason water damage occurs is due to waterspouts. Waterspouts are where water has collected inside of a tornado. Severe waterspouts are different from land-tornadoes because they develop on the surface of a body of water, and then it works its way upward. In Xenia, we have seen land-tornadoes that have crossed one of the many rivers in Ohio.

Tornado Damage Repairs 

If your property happens to suffer from tornado damage, we recommend that you call us as quickly as possible. We want to help make sure that more damage does not occur from neglected tornado damage. SERVPRO is known to be the go-to company for all Xenia restoration mitigation and repairs. When you call us, we make it a priority to respond quickly and will go above and beyond to make sure that your property has been restored "Like it never even happened." 

Call us today at (937) 228-3433 for a restoration inspection of your home. When we arrive on-site, we will evaluate how much damage your home has undergone and then give you an estimate. If applicable, we will go the extra mile by getting in contact with your insurance adjuster to make sure that you are getting the most out of your insurance claim. 

More about the city of Xenia. 

Three Common Home Appliances That Cause Water Damage

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen from multiple different appliances in your home. 

We want our Dayton homeowners to feel safe knowing that their appliances are working correctly to avoid any potential home water damage. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest that you get all of your appliances checked at a minimum of once a year. 

Home appliances that need to be checked  

Washing Machines 

When a home washing machine happens to have a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken out into an all-out basement flood. For best safety practices to prevent water damage, it is best to check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year.

In some cases, our customers install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. A shut off valve can help save a home from 500 gallons of water damage. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry. 

Refrigerators with plumbing

We all appreciate the convenience of an automatic ice maker in our kitchens. But did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO crews have had to clean water damages caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water lines get damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your home's refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure. We recommend our customers leave a four-inch gap between the refrigerator and the wall for safety from water damage. This will allow easy access to pull out the fridge and prevent future crimping in your water line.

Dishwashers

The last known home appliance that can cause severe water damage comes from dishwashers. This household appliance has a supply line just like refrigerators and washing machines. If a dishwasher water supply line was to burst, you could guarantee that your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damages caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris has clogged the drain, and the water has nowhere to go but inside your home. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton can't emphasize enough how vital yearly routine inspection of the hoses and connections can save you significant repair costs. If your Dayton home falls victim to a water emergency, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek ASAP. Our experienced IICRC trained technicians are available 24/7 for all home restoration needs. Call us today at (937) 228-3433. 

For more information about Dayton 

Beavercreek Tornado Damage Repair Specialist

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Dayton Ohio tornado causing damage to everything in its path.

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to help during tornado damage aftermath

In 2019, approximately 49 tornadoes occurred in the state of Ohio. Compared to earlier years, 2016 was relatively quiet but still resulted in 24 tornadoes and over a million dollars in damage, according to OCSWA. Even if you don't live in a high-risk Ohio city like Beavercreek or Xenia, intense and violent tornadoes do occur. Depending on the type of tornado twister, you could have serious repercussions spinning your way.

Look out for Warnings

Tornadoes typically form when there are different speeds of wind at different altitudes. Tornadoes create a horizontal rotating column of air, also known as a supercell. When a supercell picks up enough condensation, it will form a funnel. When the National Severe Storms Laboratory alerts that a tornado watch is in effect, then you can guarantee that a tornado funnel has touched down within 250 miles. When a Beavercreek resident is issued a warning, serious precautions need to occur because there is a severe threat to your home and anyone in it. 

What is Tornado EF?

Ohio residents have heard the term EF every time a tornado warning occurs. For those who are not aware, EF stands for Enhanced Fujita Scale, which was officially applied by the National Weather Service in 2007. The EF scale is a more accurate assessment of a tornado's characteristics than what the original Fujita Scale (F-Scale) stated. The current EF scale model designates wind speed ranges based on 28 damage indicators, including different structures and building types. 

Each damage indicator has eight levels of damage:

EF-0

An EF-0 category tornado will most likely only produce relatively light damages to Beavercreek residents. EF-0 winds are still strong and will most likely produce small cracks to your home's structure. In your yard, there will be broken branches and fallen twigs. In some cases, you will see bent road signs. 

EF-1 

When an EF 1 category tornado touches down, you can expect winds anywhere from 86-165 mph. Heavy winds can rip apart your roof, or at the very least, multiple shingles. During an EF-1 category tornado, mobile homes are in danger because they can be overturned entirely with winds over 80 mph. 

EF-2 to EF-3

Facing an EF-2 or EF-3 tornado in Ohio, you can bet that considerable damage will take place. Typically in EF2/3, large trees will fall, and some may become uprooted entirely. Man cars will be lifted off the ground, and objects in your yard will be flying around like torpedos fired from a submarine.

EF-4

When an Ohio meteorologist announces that an EF-4 tornado has touched down, you better be prepared. An EF-4 tornado can overturn a train. A train is not a home, but you best believe that it is a high possibility that your home will undergo severe damages. In most cases, once a broken window busts more wind to rush in and create pressure on the interior walls. When there is substantial wind pressure in your home, you can assume that your home roof will blow away. 

EF-5

An EF-5 tornado is the worst or the worst for Beavercreek residents. This is where winds over 200 mph bring incredible damage and devastation. Large objects will be flying through the air as if they are as light as a balloon. Even the strongest constructed homes could be left to nothing. In some cases, these types of tornadoes cause foundations to be cleared.

Seeking Tornado Damage Help 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek has seen it all when it comes to tornado damage. We can estimate all of your roof repairs and help mitigate any damages that may occur. You must have our number saved in your phone to fix any restoration and reconstruction that your home may require. All of our IICRC certified technicians are prepared to use the highest restoration techniques when restoring Beavercreek homes after a tornado. 

Give SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek a call at (937) 228-3433 for any tornado damage or water removal in Dayton. Let the professionals, like the experts here at SERVPRO, help you.

For more information about Dayton.

5 Ways To Prevent Shower Black Mold in Dayton Apartments

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek offers both commercial and residential mold inspections

Shower Black Mold

Property managers in Dayton Ohio know how scary it is when they find out that there is a mold problem in their complex. We want our local property managers to be prepared on who to call when mold is found in their building. We also like to educate our Dayton locals to know how to prevent black mold from growing in their shower. 

Ohio Mold Remediation 

Ohio isn't known to have a severe mold issue, but it is still prevalent. Most mold issues in the homes that we respond to are from when a homeowner has water damage that had not been appropriately mitigated. Mold is relevant in places that have a humid climate. The reason that mold likes a humid environment is due to the fact that mold reproduces when there's moisture in the air. 

Five steps to prevent black mold in a shower 

1. Good ventilation. Many people like to take really hot showers that produce a lot of steam. To avoid mold growth while taking a shower, it is best practice to open a bathroom window. Another suitable method to prevent moisture in the air is to leave a shower exhaust fan on while showering and 30 minutes afterward. Lastly, and if only possible, we suggest leaving the bathroom door open to allow better circulation throughout the bathroom.   
2. Remove hair in the shower drain. Cellulose materials like soap scum, body hairs, and oils can be a breeding ground for black mold. We believe that it is best practice to keep your drains open and clear so that mold can not feed. Having clear pipes also prevents future water damages. There are many chemicals in the market that keep the drain clean. We suggest cleaning out a shower drain once a week if the solution that you use allows.
3. Invest in an antimicrobial. An antimicrobial is an agent that kills and stops the growth of microorganisms. We suggest that you spray down your shower once a week to kill any new mold spores trying to grow.
4. Deep clean once every two weeks. At a bare minimum, your shower needs to be clean every two weeks. If time prevails, we suggest that you do it weekly. Please don't forget that a shower deep clean includes whipping down the shampoo bottles. 
5. Avoid unnecessary materials. We have come into many homes that use a shower mat to avoid slipping. SERVPRO cares about the safety and health of our customers. We suggest that if a customer can remove any mat from their bathroom shower; it will help from mold growing underneath the mat. Bathroom mats are a mold magnet. 

Call SERVPRO East Dayton/Beavercreek if the above prevention tips do not work. We want our Dayton residents to be free of mold growth throughout their home. Mold spores can grow anywhere and can navigate in the air affecting other surfaces and parts of the house. We are available 24/7 and have trained technicians that are willing to help.

For more information about Dayton.

Who to call After A Clothes Dryer Fire in Dayton?

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Dryer lint build-up

Certified Disaster Mitigation Pros Are Available 24/7 to Restore Your Dayton Home  

Roughly 15,000 dryer fires occur each year across the US, causing an average of $192 million in direct property loss for homeowners. Most of these fatal dryer fires start by either dryer lint igniting or electrical failure. 

Fortunately for any homeowner living in the Dayton, Ohio surrounding areas has SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek a quick phone call away. Our SERVPRO team is ready to take care of the damage and restore your home to its preloss condition. We are here if you need assistance to mitigate fire damage from your Dayton laundry room. 

The Severity Fire Damage Restoration Dayton, OH

Every day, home cleaners are ill-equipped for a  fire restoration job. SERVPRO Dayton is equipped with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)- materials. They must have all the proper chemicals at their disposal for fire damage clean up. Our certified chemicals will reduce odors, soot, and related residues. 

How To Prevent The Most Common Causes of Clothes Dryer Fire Damage?

• Combusting lint. Make sure to clean out the lint filter after every load. Cleaning the filter will prevent flammable buildup. 
• Outdoor vent flap obstructions.  Restricted airflow can cause problems where heat is not escaping your home.
• Duct failures.  In order to avoid searching for fire damage restoration companies near Dayton, it is best to have your home ducts cleaned often. Regular cleaning of your ducts will prevent materials from building up in your Dayton home. 

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration 

Out of all the SERVPRO locations, SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek knows any house fire requires a team that can clean up soot and repair fire damaged areas in your home. SERVPRO handles both soot and odor control with EPA-registered biocides and commercial-grade deodorizers. 

Dayton Ohio fire restoration company  

Our technicians can remove Dayton walls and ceilings as well as damaged drywall, insulation, flooring, and other structural materials. SERVPRO is prepared to leave your residence looking, “Like it never even happened.” When you need disaster cleanup, you can call (937) 228-3433 for a rapid-response service that starts within hours. 

More about Dayton.

Does Allstate Insurance Policy Cover Mold Damage?

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an Allstate preferred vendor!

Being a building owner in Dayton, Ohio, you might have an Allstate insurance policy that covers fire and water damage. Did you know that mold damage can be just as destructive to your property? Mold grows on various parts of your structure's premises. 

Materials that home mold grows on: 

• Drywall 
• Paper 
• Wood 
• Carpet 
• Tile  

As mold grows on these surfaces, it destroys the materials by using them as a source of food. If any mold gets into your air duct system, then you will be in trouble. When mold gets into an air duct, the mold spores can spread throughout the building, quickly causing mold growth in different areas. Luckily, mold coverage is covered in standard Allstate home insurance policies.

Allstate Mold Damage Coverage 

Like many other national insurance companies, Allstate has partnered with SERVPRO making us a preferred vendor. They are one of the only insurance companies that offer mold coverage. The only downside is that Allstate imposes a $5,000 coverage limit on mold damage claims. Mold damage is not a big concern for Dayton residents because the climate here is not humid and damp. In a more wet and humid environment, we would suggest switching insurance providers to one that offers full coverage on mold damage. 

What are the causes of mold damage?

When examining the growth of mold, it is essential to know that mold thrives in wet areas. Damage from heavy rainfall and floods are the common source to activate mold damage. Here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek, we suggest everyone gets flood insurance on their Allstate policy. 

SERVPRO are preferred vendors of Allstate 

Being a preferred vendor of Allstate means that we will work closely with your Allstate insurance adjuster if your home or building suffers from mold or water damage. Allstate and SERVPRO corporate hold us to an industry-standard set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Being a preferred vendor means that all restoration related work performed on your property will be completed according to the standards set forth. 

We make sure that your mold insurance covers several aspects of the cleanup process. In severe cases, where mold growth has been neglected for several months, a mold remediation specialist will have to tear out walls and ceilings to make sure all the mold spores are removed. 

Your insurance claim should cover both the mold removal and the testing that will be performed on the structure to ensure all of the mold has been properly remediated.

How To Avoid Mold Damage

Mold damage in Dayton Ohio can be avoided by making sure you call a water damage specialist anytime a leak or a pipe breaks. Many water damages in the Dayton area occur from a flood in basement after heavy rainfall or a home water heater breaks.

If your home suffers from any water damage, it is best to give SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek a call at (937) 228-3433. Our highly trained professionals will make sure mold growth does not occur after water damage strikes.

How Does Water Damage Lead to Mold Growth in Dayton?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding how mold grows is helpful in its prevention.

At SERVPRO, we care about your health and well-being. It’s no small matter when water damage occurs in a Dayton property. No matter the source whether a storm, leak, or natural disaster, water damage leaves a lasting impression on the areas it touches. This is why it is important to know how to clean your how after water damage. When water damage is not handled by restoration professionals it can leave more costly damages that require full demolition. 

How water damage impacts 

Water is excellent at finding its way into any and all possible places it can fit from the walls to the carpet to the foundation itself. If water is not properly cleaned up and dried out it can leave behind a foundation for other problems, and one, in particular, is black mold growth. 

What is black mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold. Like many types of mold growth, black mold produces allergens and irritants. It is important that any homeowner or property manager treats any mold in their property with caution. Most importantly when mold is visible it is important to stay out of affected areas until a mold professional comes to assess the damage. 

Steps to Avoid Mold Growth

1. Controlling the amount of moisture throughout your property includes keeping areas dry and not allowing moisture to sit for long amounts of time.
2. Clean up spills on the floor, clean out your gutters, and keep air conditioning drip pans clean.
3. If there are generally more moist areas in your Dayton home or business than others, you can also use things such as a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the air effectively.

Understanding mold growth helps to prevent it.  A large cause of mold in the first place is not properly repairing, cleaning, and drying out space after water gets into it. This can include things such as plumbing or roofing leaks. Just because the leak has been stopped doesn’t mean that pooled water has cleared. It is best after any water damage to have a professional come and inspect and properly dry out your home to ensure no mold can develop and spread. 

Give SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek a call at (937) 228-3433 for any water damage or mold removal in Dayton. Let the professionals, like the experts here at SERVPRO, help you.

The Importance of Promptly Seeking Water Removal Services For Your Dayton Restaurant

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Call us at (937) 228-3433 for any water restoration emergencies.

SERVPRO Moves Quickly to Mitigate Damages Caused by Water and Moisture

Your Dayton restaurant might be a well-established facility for all of the readers and researchers in your area, but that same foot traffic is what pays the bills and keeps your business in the black. When disaster strikes your building and leaves high volumes of water on the floors throughout your business, professional restoration is one of the best solutions to get your doors open again to that critical customer base more expediently.

When your Dayton Restaurant requires water removal services along with restoration efforts, there is typically quite a lot on the line to getting the issue resolved promptly. No matter which area of your shop takes the brunt of the water damage, there are constant considerations you have to concern yourself with as the owner. The amount of time that your shop has to remain closed for restoration, damage to your books and other stock, time off for employees that count on a paycheck, and also the threat of costly substantial structural damages, all matter.

When our SERVPRO technicians reach your storefront, it is critical for our team to look at the full scope of the damage, as we prepare for the extraction. Removing the water from the area is often a task for a combination of our equipment. With higher volumes of water to extract, the most efficient means of pulling the bulk out of the affected area is through one of the pump trucks in our fleet. Spot extractions follow suit after this, using both portable pumps and wet-vacs for small and inaccessible places.

Drying the area completely is a critical component of our restoration process. Our SERVPRO professionals utilize several different tools for this step as well, based on the severity and size of the dampened areas. For inaccessible areas that commonly remain damp following flooding or excessive water damage, our technicians utilize equipment like our Injectidry system to get inside of walls and dry them out entirely. Moisture reduction is crucial to prevent books from absorbing dampness or degradation.

When your restaurant falls victim to a water emergency, time is often of the essence. Contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. Our experienced IICRC trained technicians are available 24/7 for any restoration need you might have. Call us today at (937) 228-3433. 

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The Characteristics of Commercial Water Damage

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water damage can occur in the blink of an eye from a wide variety of sources.

No matter the source, our expert technicians here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek can identify the source and type of water damage that has occurred and promptly work to resolve the issue to restore your business to its normal state and give you peace of mind as soon as possible. 

If you are in the unfortunate position that your business has suffered any extent of water damage, you must give us a call immediately. At SERVPRO, our highly trained professionals are ready to respond to the situation immediately to remove the water as quickly as possible. Whether coming from a burst pipe or flood moves extremely quickly and can damage an entire building’s contents if not dealt with right away. Chemicals and other contaminants in water can leave surfaces permanently tarnished or stained and can also open up the opportunity for mold and bacteria growth. 

The long term effects of commercial water damage include the increased risk of allergens in the area, mold and bacteria growth, as well as an unpleasant odor. Standing water in any location left unattended can also create issues within your property by warping floors, splitting frames, and leading to structural failure. Let the experts here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek ensure your business is properly inspected, repaired, and restored to prevent extensive damage. If you’re able to identify water damage quickly, our IICRC trained professionals will be on the scene within the first few hours. Our quick response will help greatly reduce the cost, the time needed, and the extent of work required to repair and restore your business. 

There may be times when water damage may not be apparent as the source may not be visible until it’s too late. Even the smallest leak can turn into a huge problem if left unattended and unnoticed for long enough. 

When dealing with any water damage, we ensure all areas are properly dried. We use a variety of equipment depending on the scope of the water damage from air movers to dehumidifiers to force dry any affected areas so that they may be properly cleaned and repaired and to minimize further damage. When you give our water damage professionals here at SERVPRO a call, we will first identify and stop the source of water on the scene, determine the level of damage and contamination, and begin the drying and repair process. By quickly removing all moisture from the premises, the chance for mold and bacteria growth is greatly limited as well as the potential for any further damage by standing water to be caused. 

If you are in the unfortunate position of having water damage in your home or business, give our experts at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek a call at (937) 228-3433, and we will make it our top priority to restore your property as quickly as possible - because we’re faster to any size disaster. 

What to Expect From the Water Restoration Process

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Since every flood and water damage scenario is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored to the specific conditions. However, the overall water restoration process remains the same. The process begins when you give us a call. SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is available 24 hours a day for any size water emergency. 

Immediate action is crucial when facing flooding or water damage and a delay of just a few hours can drastically increase the severity of water damage left behind. While water damage can be chaotic and traumatic to deal with, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek has the expertise and experience to help you through a water damage disaster. 

When you give us a call, we will ask you questions to assess the situation and determine what equipment and resources will be necessary to bring. Upon arrival at the site of water damage, we begin with a detailed inspection and damage assessment of your home or property to determine the scope of the water damage to create the best plan of action. After inspection, we will identify the source of moisture in your home or business and the type of water. When dealing with water damage, there are three types of water according to their level of contamination: “Clean Water”, “Gray Water”, and “Black Water” are used to classify how contaminated the water is so that our trained SERVPRO Professionals can restore your property to industry guidelines. 

The next step of the water damage restoration process is the actual water removal. After the damage assessment and the source of moisture have been stopped, the water extraction process may begin. If the water damage is great enough to call for extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can assist with an organized and efficient move-out to ensure your belongings are protected from any further damage. Our highly trained technicians will then begin the water removal process immediately once the surrounding area is cleared. Depending on the level of damage, our technicians may use equipment varying from industrial wet/dry vacuums to powerful submersible pumps. 

Once all water has been successfully removed, the drying and dehumidification process is next. While floors and walls may appear to be dry, they will be wet to the touch as most building materials such as wood and drywall retain water once submerged. Our Professionals use measurements, temperature, and humidity to best determine how much equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers will be needed to dry your home or business. 

Most of your home or business will require professional cleaning following water damage from the floor to the ceiling. After monitoring the drying process, our technicians will clean your property’s structure, furniture, upholstery, clothing, and any other restorable items or property damaged by water. Following any kind of water damage, your home or business will require cleaning, odor removal, and sanitization depending on the scenario. Our technicians here at SERVPRO East Dayton/Beavercreek are trained to deodorize, sanitize, and dispose of damaged materials in your home or property. 

The final step following a water damage disaster is the restoration of your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. This may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall to major repairs such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas. Our professionals will provide immediate protective measures during the water damage restoration process such as tarps and will handle rebuilding all affected areas. We are a company qualified to handle the initial damage and rebuilding of the area afterward, and can guarantee to get any building back up to full functionality. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is ready to help local homeowners with flood damage. They have the advanced equipment and expertise to turn the loss around and make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Ensure Fire Safety this Summer in Your Home

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Candles have caused thousands of home-related fires in the US.

Just the thought of going through a fire is terrifying to most families. Loss of life and property are possible outcomes of fire, and dealing with the aftermath can be very confusing and overwhelming. There are over 300,000 house fires a year in the U.S., and unfortunately, most of these home fires can be prevented by simple things. The professionals here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are here to help you avoid this kind of disaster from happening to your home. Here are some ways to keep your home fire safe for the summer.

First, Be Mindful of Candles 

Candles can be so lovely to smell and look at, but it’s easy to forget it’s still a dangerous open flame within your home. Candles have caused tens of thousands of home-related fires and deaths over the past few years alone. Most home fire damages are caused by leaving flammable items too close to the candle or by falling asleep with candles lit. 

To prevent a possible candle fire, you should: 

•   Blow candles out before you go to sleep or when you leave the area 
•   Keep candles at least one foot away from flammable sources 
•   Use candle holders that cannot be tipped or knocked over easily 

A few small actions can go a long way when it comes to preventing drastic smoke and fire damage within your home. 

Second, Cell Phone Charging and Overheating

Have you ever gone to sleep with your phone on the charger overnight and tucked somewhere in your bed, under a blanket, or even worse, under your pillow? Leaving a phone to charge is much more dangerous than you might have thought. If you notice when charging your phone, it will typically get warm, and in some cases, when the phone is covered overnight and in combination with a faulty battery, the trapped heat can cause the phone to explode right next to you. Not only can this itself cause extensive damage, but it can also start a house fire that can quickly escalate. 

If your phone ever feels like it’s overheating on the charger, you should unplug it and turn it off right away until it cools down before using it or attempting to charge it again. 

Third, Fix Your Fire Alarms 

Too many homes often forget about or neglect their fire and smoke detection systems. Not having a well-functioning fire alarm system could make the difference in loss of life and property in the event of a fire. In the event of a fire after alerting authorities and safely evacuating the area, your next step should be to contact a local fire and smoke damage restoration company. The professionals here at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek are specially trained in fire damage restoration and can help in the recovery process after a fire occurs. 

There are many ways to keep your home safe during the year from accidental fires. Check out some of our other blog posts about fire safety to learn more, and in the event of an emergency, give SERVPRO  a call anytime at (937) 228-3433. Our IICRC trained professionals are here to help you 24/7.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan: What to do Before and After the Fire

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

An important part of fire safety is knowing what to do when a fire happens. For this reason, a home fire evacuation plan is a great thing to have. In the event of a sudden fire, an evacuation needs to happen quickly and efficiently while leaving as few essential things behind as possible and knowing where to go. Once you can escape your home or business that is in flames and alert authorities, your next step should be to contact a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek.  

Here’s what you need to do before, during, and after the fire.

Before Evacuating

It is important to prepare correctly to evacuate effectively. A few things you can do to prepare for a fire evacuation is to create a disaster relief kit or a to-go bag. This will contain any essentials that you would need in case you had to up and leave in case of an emergency. Good things to also put in this bag would be extra cash, clothing, emergency health information, and some plastic bags to keep sensitive items safe. Having a to-go bag ready to go in case of emergency can make maintaining a level head in an emergent situation much more manageable while helping keep you safe. 

Everyone in the household must also be on the same page in the event of fire damage. Everyone should have the same meetup location, such as a neighbors house, in case everyone has to leave in a hurry. If a fire is large enough to affect multiple homes or a large area, it is good also to have a meeting location in several directions. 

During an Evacuation 

It is important to know already what to do in the event of a fire so that you can make decisions to keep you and your loved ones best safe. You must maintain clear communication with everyone in your home in the event of a fire; power lines may be down, or phones may not be working in some situations or others may not be able to get to you. It’s important to listen to essential updates from the news and authorities that are keeping up with the situation. 

Do not forget your pets and try to keep them in a place they’re accessible so that you can easily retrieve them should you need to evacuate your property.

After an Evacuation

It’s important to wait to inspect your property after a fire until after you are permitted to do so by authorities. Once you are allowed back within the distance of your home or business, your next step should be to contact a professional fire damage restoration company. SERVPRO of Downtown East Dayton/Beavercreek is ready and available for fire damage restoration and will immediately lend aid to the recovery process. Experiencing this kind of scenario can be extremely frightening and overwhelming. Leave it to the professionals here at SERVPRO to help you restore your home from smoke and fire damage at (937) 228-3433

Our SERVPRO Technicians Can Quickly Assess your Property After a Flood

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Floods cause a great deal of damage and can come from many sources. The worst floods come from external sources, although it is possible that clean water from burst water lines can become contaminated inside our home, making them almost as bad as floods originating outside your home. Contaminants make things especially hazardous to your health, but here are other dangers that can lurk inside your home after a flood has receded. 

In Dayton, flood damage can include silt and soils left behind in your appliances. These can retain moisture, creating not only breeding grounds for microorganisms but also moist environments that cause rust and other corrosive actions. As you know, rust can ruin your electric appliances over time, even if they seemed fine at first. Hot water heaters are especially dangerous because silt can shift, blocking pilot lights and creating gas leaks in the process. The same is true of gas dryers and ovens. 

It is vital to have your home appliances examined by a qualified professional to check and to make repairs on them. While we at SERVPRO are excellent at cleaning such items, we want to make sure that they are in perfect working order and recommend that these always also be examined by a certified technician after we have cleaned them. Most water damage technicians will not clean appliances to the degree required after a flood, but we can.

Other cleaning aspects can help you preserve your wood floors. After a flood, you are not merely battling moisture. You are also working to remove sediments that can act like sandpaper in your home. Some of this sediment is so fine, it can become airborne, and when breathed in, it can irritate your nasal passages and throat. Air scrubbers can help remove these particles, just like they do mold spores. As we dry your home with our heaters and air movers, we can also place our air scrubbers in the most effective locations to catch much of the silt, and other particles, floating in the air, making your home air much cleaner in the long run for you and your family. 

When you find yourself coping with flood damage, give us, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek a call at (937) 228-3433. Day or night, we are here to help you fight restoration emergencies.

How do you know when a mold job has been completed?

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek, mold cleaning is a service that we take seriously because if not performed correctly the mold growth can spread rapidly to non-affected areas. We have important steps and precautions that we take into consideration when working on a mold remediation job. Out IICRC trained staff knows that it is important to contain the affected area with containment. The reason that we use containment barriers is so that the mold spores are not spreading throughout other areas of the home or business. After the affected area is contained, we then know that we can perform the mold-cleaning job.

Our SERVPRO professionals will:

• Remove all water damaged/mold-infested materials.
• Remove and replace the affected drywall.
• Clean and disinfect walls/carpets/ and other personal items.
• Filter the contaminated air to remove any debris or spores.

The best way to know that a mold job has been completed to its fullest is through a post-mold remediation inspection. The first inspection that our SERVPRO professionals will perform is a visual inspection to see if any mold is still present. The next inspection test that will be conducted is moisture measurements. The human eye is not always able to see if moisture is present. Our team will use moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect whether there is any moisture hidden behind walls or under flooring. The last part of the inspection is not always conducted but important. For a homeowner to be one hundred percent positive, we will bring out one of our industrial hygienist vendors to take air samples. The industrial hygienist takes separate samples in different areas of the building because not all areas are impacted to the same degree. Once all three parts of the mold inspection (visual, moisture measurements, air samples) are performed will give you a report that tells you the mold remediation process has been completed.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here to help during this time of need during this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek,(937) 228-3433

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?

CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Ongoing Inspections and monitoring during a restoration loss

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Once the project has been controlled, and the correction of the damage has begun, our SERVPRO technicians will continue to gather information through ongoing inspections and monitoring. The monitoring process will include recording temperature and relative humidity readings and other calculated psychrometric values. According to Webster, the definition of psychrometric is "a graphic representation of the properties of mixtures of air and water vapor." The way that we measure psychrometric values includes checking moisture levels or moisture content of materials. Psychrometric also includes the balancing of temperature, humidity, and airflow of both open and closed drying systems in any water damage job. It will be necessary to measure the relative humidity and temperature and have the right types and capacity of dehumidifiers to handle the water load in the structure. This is why our SERVPRO technicians are constantly carrying around an Ipad; we use our Ipad to update progress reports and to keep track of our readings. Our technicians make sure that we use the same meters throughout to be sure that readings stay consistent and accurate. Our IICRC certified technicians are all trained in the proper use and application of the meters. Part of the job of our technicians is to be in accordance with the meter manufacturer literature and have an understanding of the intended use. At SERVPRO of East Dayton, we make sure to record and monitor relevant moisture measurements daily at the same time of day. Once the drying goals have been achieved and documented, we can then pack up all the equipment and leave the site, "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Removal In Beavercreek, Ohio

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

The best rental equipment cannot match the commercial-grade machines we bring to each water damage job.

Commercial Water Removal

The weather in Beavercreek is OK now, but as most business owners know, most of their flooding and other water issues come from broken toilets or split water line. No matter the setting, all water damages should be handled by a professional service.

We have seen that there is a tendency to cut corners when it comes to commercial water removal in Beavercreek. Many business owners have no problem spending money on a licensed plumber and then will rent a shampoo machine and a water-vac from the nearest big box store to clean up the mess. At SERVPRO of East Dayton, we know that this is never a good idea.

The best rental equipment cannot match the commercial-grade machines we bring to each water damage job. We have qualified IICRC personnel trained to maintain our equipment on-site and have it ready every time it's needed. 

Take carpets as an example. A water-vac removes most of the water, and they may even feel dry to the touch, but there is always some moisture trapped inside. To thoroughly remove the water and dry them, SERVPRO technicians use pumps, water extraction wands, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

If the water is over two inches, we start with the pumps. Even in an ample space with multiple offices, our pumps can finish the job in just a few hours. If it is under two inches, we begin with the extraction wands. Unlike a water-vac, we have multiple settings to adjust the speed and force used. Most of the wands also have a built-in heating element, so we can start to dry the carpets as we finish removing the water trapped inside.

Once we finish with the wands, there is still a small amount of moisture trapped between the carpet layers. Most commercial carpets are glued down, so we use air movers to send dry air over the surface. Proper training is essential so that the glue does not cause the carpet to form bubbles. 

Each type of business and building has its special requirements to remove water and reopen the doors to customers. If you need us, call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek.

To Mitigate Storm Effects, We Suggest Immediate Water Extraction!

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage in Dayton Ohio

Following flooding as a result of storm damage, many objects and parts of your home will be soaked to differing degrees. Some areas may be very lightly touched by moisture, and will, as a result, dry out quickly. Others, however, may be inundated and soaked through by floodwaters, including porous materials such as carpeting and fabrics. Aside from the sheer volume of water, some other factors will also significantly affect the rate at which your home dries out. 

Water Extraction 

The most important part of the drying process for storm damage in Beavercreek is bulk water removal. Our drying technology, while thorough and adaptable, is by nature capable of the removal of far less water than a traditional pumping system. For example, our truck-mounted water extractors can move up to 36,000 gallons per day, but our drying systems are often limited to around 30 gallons daily under optimal conditions. We prioritize getting service crews on-scene within hours of an initial call, so to be sure to keep drying times as low as possible. 

Air Movement 

We use high-powered air movers to create strong currents of air in a drying room. These capture water droplets and vapor from all surfaces and are then coupled with thermal or chemical dehumidifiers to take the water back out of the air and into a holding tank or piped directly to the exterior of the structure.

Temperature 

Temperature profoundly affects the rate at which water evaporates, and thus the drying rate of your home. The ideal drying temperature is typically anywhere from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, as at any lower, our air movers will not be able to pick up much moisture. Any higher and the air becomes too humid for optimal results.

Relative Humidity--RH

Finally, the most important factor is the relative humidity. Many of our tools and even the factors described above are related to and designed to accommodate moisture. One device we use to measure this important component of drying is a thermal hygrometer. Humidity must be kept at a relatively ordinary level, so as to encourage fast evaporation and removal but also to avoid further damage to the room. 

SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek carries advanced equipment and specialized techniques to help dry out your home as fast as possible following a storm. If your home has experienced storm damage, call us at  (937)-228-3433

Hidden Mold Damage to Structural Components and Interior Contents of Commercial Buildings in Dayton

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

"Once mold damage is detected in a Dayton commercial building, remediation should quickly take place to repair the situation".

As a darkness-loving microorganism, mold can easily be missed by the human eyes. Their ability to quickly gain a strong foothold allows microbes enough time to cause damage inside a Dayton building. The affected areas can sometimes be hidden until the furniture is rearranged or when a renovation takes place.

Once mold damage is detected in a Dayton, Ohio commercial building, remediation should quickly take place to repair the situation. It's important to begin restoration as soon as possible to help prevent several different problems from occurring or escalating. Keeping mold and spores contained through the use of temporary barrier walls, double-bagging, and quick disposal keeps the spores from spreading throughout the unaffected areas.

When a project involves areas damaged by microbial activity, many contractors refuse to continue until after an expert remediation team removes the moldy materials. Too much exposure to mold can quickly infest new materials. The best practices are to remove any ruined contents to protect the investment.

Rearranging furniture, even within a room, can reveal mold growing on walls behind furniture. Mold can be found under large pieces of furniture and also around window frames. Many mold spores can easily collect underneath a bed or couch, while window frames collect spores from the air outside as it moves through tiny cracks.

Call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for all of your commercial mold remediation needs. We are here to help.

Determining Flood Damage In Dayton

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Patterson Boulevard Bridge Dayton, Ohio

Dayton Flood Damage in your home 

Removing stormwater from a Dayton home is much like removing water from a broken water heater. The equipment needed is the same, but there are additional precautions to take depending on if this outside water is contaminated. The same concerns are there when it comes to restoring the property.

SERVPRO of East Dayton understands that after a flood, Dayton homeowners want to get back into their house, and to their life before they wake up to find ankle-deep water in their living room and kitchen. To make certain we can provide a safe, clean environment; our restoration team first checks to see if the water is Clean, Gray, or Black.

Clean floodwater contains no threatening microbes and does not pose a risk to the health of the homeowners or other residents. Team members bring in the same pumps and extraction wands used to clean up after a broken kitchen sink sends water across the linoleum. Clean water can become contaminated if it stands too long, so we begin to remove it as soon as we get the first pump-off our truck. We also start to lower the humidity level since dry air also inhibits microbial growth.

Gray water contains low levels of microbes and other contaminants. The majority of them are usually urine or wash water forced out of overwhelmed sewers after a severe storm. This results in rapid microbial growth and the bacteria or fungi pose a threat to anyone who comes in contact with it. These same microbes can spread to walls and furniture as the water recedes and become a threat to property. To kill the microbes and prevent spreading them, SERVPRO technicians spray an anti-fungal agent across the surface of the water and nearby property before taking any other actions.

Blackwater is a severe threat to people and property. According to IICRC, the flood water has drawn in everything from the surrounding area as it rises. That includes animal waste, carcasses, and even sewage when the force of the water splits lines open. Since this contamination is obvious, our technicians pull on protective gear like rubber suits and even breathing gear. Once protected, they spray the water and nearby property before bringing in any pumps or other extraction gear.

For both Black and Gray water, we pump out the water into the nearest, functioning sewer opening. If there isn't one available, then we pump it into a tanker truck for removal to the nearest wastewater treatment plant.

Dayton Commercial Mold Damage Needs Remediation

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Remediation is an extensive and complicated process.

Dayton Commercial Mold Damage Needs Remediation

Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Cleanup at Your Dayton Property

Most fire and water damage are easy to see and straightforward to clean. An untrained individual can remove burned siding or waterlogged sheetrock, although we do not recommend this. What is much harder to find, clean, and remove is mold. 

To stop and remediate the effects of mold damage in Dayton, SERVPRO uses the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) Mold Remediation Standard. This is a five-step process that protects occupants and workers, cleans and removes mold, then eliminates the environmental factors that led to the initial infestation. 

First, we reduce exposure. Homes with extensive mold growth can cause a limited number of health effects once the growth is disturbed by cleaning and removal procedures. Technicians isolate the affected areas from casual foot traffic by occupants in untouched areas and use the latest in industry-standard equipment to protect themselves. 

Second, we document every action. Our remediation team records the initial inspection to include mold growth size, which rooms, hallways, or work areas where it was found, and air content test results of mold spore and moisture levels. These are baselines we use to make sure surfaces are cleaned, and air quality has returned to normal after technicians complete their work. 

Third, we control contamination at the source. After the area is isolated, we keep it from spreading as the cleaning procedures get underway. One of our best practices uses negative air machines at the point of drywall and other demolition. These devices draw out dust and particulates from the air; when combined with a HEPA filter, they pull out mold even down to the size of a single spore. 

Fourth, we remove the contamination. The particles removed by negative air machines are typically blown outside of your home, but can also be captured and removed to another location. Any debris that has settled onto a surface is then wiped down using a dry cloth. Thicker amounts of contamination require a cleaning agent and a wet cloth. In some cases, a vacuum with a HEPA filter may be used for larger quantities. 

Fifth, we reduce the humidity level. As the current infestation is remediated, SERVPRO technicians set up dehumidifiers to lower the moisture content to normal levels, preferably below 60%.

Once technicians have completed work, we test the areas to make certain everything is back to safe levels and then hand you the keys back to your home. Remediation can be an extensive and complicated process, but SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek is here to help you through it. Call us today at (937) 228-3433.

Putting Out Small Interior Fires

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date.

The source of each individual fire changes the way the fire must be dealt with. Small fires, which are usually started by cooking or electrical outlets, can usually be put out by an individual. In case you experience a small fire within your home, office, or building, here is the way to deal with each type of fire.

Electrical fires occur due to dysfunctional or misused electrical outlets, cords, and appliances. If the fire is due to a broken cord, pour baking soda on the cord. Fires caused by outlets or appliances can be put out with a Class C fire extinguisher. It’s important that you never use water on an electrical fire due to the possibility of being shocked as a result.

Fireplace fires are not dangerous since they’re in a contained area, but if you no longer need the fire to be going you should put it out before leaving or going to sleep. In order to put out a fireplace fire, poke at the wood and cover the coals in order to take away the fuel for the fire. In addition, you may use baking soda to put it out by sprinkling some on the fire.

Cooking or gas fires can be stopped by placing a lid over the pot to stop oxygen from reaching the fire. Turn off the gas supply to stop it from spreading. Fire blankets work well for these situations.

If a small fire occurs in your home, office, or building, call your local SERVPRO of East Dayton at (937) 228-3433. SERVPRO of East Dayton has professionals who know how to remove smoke damage and make the area affected by the fire look “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO is the Best Fire Restoration Company

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

The next step after ensuring the safety of your family and calling the fire department is to call SERVPRO.

The severity of fire damage puts lives on hold, ruins entire homes, and threatens the safety of families. It’s important, when picking a fire restoration company, to choose one that has you as the priority. What that means is that the fire restoration process is more than just a project. For example, if you experience fire damage in your home, you can call the 24 hour SERVPRO National Customer Care Center. At any time of the day, you can call and have a SERVPRO professional listen to you explain your experience in order to plan the best strategy for the fire restoration process. Following this phone call, which you can make at your leisure, a team of SERVPRO fire restoration professionals will arrive at your home to make an assessment of the damage and plan the restoration process. This step is a vital part of creating an efficient plan that allows the SERVPRO professionals to fix the fire damage as quickly as possible. The team will then cover the damaged areas in order to avoid further damage to the home, including windows, walls, and the roof. Then they will remove the smoke and soot. After it has been entirely removed, an important cleaning and sterilization process will occur to ensure the safety of the home.

SERVPRO is a great company for fire restoration because they prioritize the safety of the family. At any time you need, you can call SERVPRO and receive helpful information and even begin the process of fire restoration. If you’re in need of fire damage restoration, call your local SERVPRO of East Dayton at (937) 228-3433. SERVPRO of East Dayton is the affordable option for fire damage restoration. They’ll assess the damage and walk you through the process required in order to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

How to Remove Mold From Your Home

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Your home should- and can- look this good.

Knowing the facts about mold is helpful household information. However, many of the details and truths about mold can get lost in the process. This is the case especially when it comes to the fact that we can search any process online through all of the blogs that exist. A number of unaccredited, sourceless websites can post processes without actual facts about things like, for example, how to remove mold from the home. For instance, some people believe bleach can kill mold. That’s not true. While it can possibly temporarily remove the mold, the spores from the initial mold will grow back within a couple of weeks of spraying the bleach. Similarly, people may consider simply painting over the mold. The truth is that mold cannot be painted over. Even if it could be, that would pose a long term threat to the safety of the home because the mold would still impact the air quality. The truth is that mold can only be properly removed with equipment by professionals. There isn’t an article online that can teach the ways of mold removal in the safest possible way. Most of the life hacks centered around mold removal do not acknowledge that mold spores can exist unseen even after we remove the mold. Mold spores can wait for the proper environment and begin the fruition process as soon as those environmental needs are met. Therefore, only professionals can create a genuinely safe removal process of mold. 

If you find mold in your home, call your local SERVPRO of Beavercreek at (937) 228-3433. SERVPRO of Beavercreek is an affordable option for mold remediation. They’ll assess the damage and walk you through the process required in order to make your home “like it never even happened.”

Creating a Fire Escape Plan For Your Family

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Preparation can save your family and your home.

It is vital for every family to have a plan together in the event of a household fire. This plan can be memorized or printed and posted somewhere in the home that is easy to find. Having a plan ready can lessen the consequences of a fire by having everyone respond out of habit to the possible danger. If your family doesn’t already have a plan ready for a possible fire emergency, here are some tips for creating one.

Firstly, it matters where your smoke detector is located. If the smoke detector is in the hallway, make sure people sleep with the doors open in order to hear it should it go off. If it’s inside a room, it would be okay for that door to be closed since they’ll be able to hear it go off. Make sure there isn’t anything in the way of blocking the alarm sounds. Create a predetermined meeting place for the family. The best possible places for this to occur would be farther from the home. Making the meeting location too close to the home can be dangerous, depending on how the fire spreads. A good meeting place could be a neighbor’s house or an easily identifiable landmark across the street from the home. These preliminary assessments can ensure that everyone is prepared, especially considering the fire may happen during the night and waking up to a fire can be a confusing experience.

If fire damage does occur to your home, call your local SERVPRO of Beavercreek at (937) 228-3433. SERVPRO of Beavercreek can remove smoke damage and restore your home to before the fire happened. Fires are serious events, but with the right planning and the right fire damage professionals, your life can go back to normal soon after a fire occurs.

The Professional Training of SERVPRO Employees

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Professionalism and extensive knowledge are highly valued in the restoration industry.

There are plenty of restoration companies across the country, corporate and local alike. The most well known restoration company is SERVPRO, due to the fact that, firstly, they’re a franchise capable of being owned by anyone, and secondly, they have an extensive training program for their employees. This training program is the core of their professionalism, by ensuring that employees show up to the site of any restoration location with the know-how to make it “Like it never even happened,” as their slogan ensures. The training program covers specific topics, including all types of restoration, such as fire, water, carpet and upholstery, and mold. There are further training courses for active employees who want to further their knowledge of the restoration field. The importance of SERVPRO’s training program is that any employee can engage in a number of beneficial classes and continue to train beyond the requirement if they chose to. By having a training program in place, SERVPRO can hire anyone dedicated to the work and teach them how to get the job done to SERVPRO’s standards. SERVPRO has been commended for this training program in the past and it’s obvious why. 

In comparison to other restoration companies, SERVPRO has the professional credentials for each of their employees due to the training program they’ve put in place. You can be assured, when hiring them, that the SERVPRO employees showing up to your home or building has gone through several hours of training to be able to do the work they’ve come to do for you. That is just one of the great differences between SERVPRO and other restoration companies. 

If you’re in need of a restoration professional, hire your local SERVPRO of Beavercreek at (937) 228-3433. SERVPRO of Beavercreek has employees who have gone through the well known training program of SERVPRO and can offer you the most professional restoration services.

Causes of Commercial Water Damage to Watch Out For

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your building safe and your tenants happy.

There are a lot of things to consider when maintaining a commercial property. Of course, safety is managed by laws and requirements that every commercial property must maintain, however unexpected damage is still possible. One case of unexpected commercial property damage is water damage. Commercial water damage can not only be a safety threat, but be incredibly costly to repair. So here are some possible causes of commercial water damage to watch out for.

Windows with cracks or weak construction can allow leaks from weather to invade the interior of the building. Make sure windows are strong and up to date. The foundation of the building is an easy place for water damage to occur since it’s low to the ground where water runoff or storm build up can accumulate. Ensure regular check ups of the integrity of the foundation, including cracks and leaky pipes. Sprinkler systems are required in buildings for safety reasons, but nonfunctional sprinkler systems can pose a threat by unexpectedly turning on and soaking rooms. Like the other causes, make sure someone is constantly assuring the quality of the sprinkler system. The answer to all of these possible causes is to invest in a person or team who can ensure the maintenance of the commercial property.

If you own or maintain a commercial property that has experienced water damage, no matter how much, call your local SERVPRO of East Dayton at (937) 228-3433. SERVPRO of East Dayton has dealt with commercial water damage before and knows exactly how to fix and restore your commercial property to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How Common is Mold

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

We may not be able to see all of the possible mold growth, but that isn't something that should immediately cause stress.

A common belief is that a truly clean building has absolutely no mold in it. The reason why this is more of a myth than a fact is because it would be a waste of time to attempt to completely rid the building of mold. While mold can pose a threat to the safety of a home, office, store, or any other building, mold is still a part of the environment. It will always go naturally outside a building and it will always try and grow within a building, being that it only needs certain requirements to grow. Requirements like dampness and a certain temperature. Since these conditions can happen anywhere, of course mold will attempt to grow indoors just as easily as outdoors. It isn’t the end of the world, nor is it even noticeable, to have a few stray mold spores floating around. How do you know when mold is posing a threat? You can tell mold is posing a threat to your safety when it grows enough to take over a certain area of the building’s infrastructure. Mold like this won’t grow without a moist environment, so if you do find mass amounts of mold growth then something is probably wrong and you should hire a restoration company to analyze the environment. SERVPRO of East Dayton will come to your home, scan the air for moisture, measure the size of the room, and give you a complete analysis of the damage done. Once this initial procedure is over, they’ll send a team of highly trained restoration professionals to use their intensive cleaning equipment. This equipment will dry out the area of impact, creating an unsuitable environment for further mold growth. In addition, they will remove the affected area in order to stop any possible effects of the mold. Mold often seems like a scary, mysterious danger that could happen when you least expect it. But so long as you stay aware of the possible causes of water damage and mold growth in a building, you can avoid your family, coworkers, or employees from experiencing the hazardous effects of mold growth. If you’re ever in need of fast, professional mold remediation, then hire your local SERVPRO of East Dayton. If it’s an emergency, and better safe than sorry, call now: (937) 228-3433.

How Dangerous Are Christmas Decorations?

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Candles are beautiful and warm, but can post a threat to our safety this holiday season.

Happy holidays! As the excitement and anticipation of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas increases, many families bring out decorations to celebrate. December is the time of year where you can have a great time driving around neighborhoods, seeing all the lights and inflatable characters and decorated trees at each house. But before we get quick to celebration, it’s important to check that all of our holiday decorations are safe, especially after spending an entire year sitting in our storage, waiting to be used again. Here’s what you can do to ensure safety is a priority during the holidays, to keep the season as magical as it is.

• Not all holiday lights are interchangable.

While we do use very similar looking lights on both the exterior and interior of our homes, they’re not safe to use interchangeably. Lights made for decorating the Christmas tree are not prepared for the outdoors. When lights are designed to cover the outside of the house, they’re made to stand strong and safe against weather like snow and wind. When lights meant for the indoors are used outside, they can be damaged by the weather and pose threats as serious as fires. When buying lights, make sure to read the directions on the box, ensuring that you are not posing a fire threat to your home. And when packing up after the holidays end, try and return all the lights to their original boxes so they can’t be confused next year.

• Check your extension cords are read for wear and tear of the outdoors.

Why wouldn’t you want all the trees in your yard to glow bright and amaze your neighbors? For that, you’ll need an extension cord. When you use one, make sure that it is safe, by checking for wear and tear. In addition, don’t overload your extension cord by attaching all your yard’s lights to one single  cord. Like the lights, these cords usually come with instructions that can explain the best way of using them in order to avoid possible fires. 

• If your tree is real, don’t forget to water it.

It can be easy to forget to water a tree since we only need to during the holidays, but it’s a vital part of avoiding fire hazard. See, fire burns far easier on dry, dying pines than it would on a well-watered one. The safest thing you can do is have your lights be hung on a healthy tree.

• Candles are beautiful, but keep them away from decorations.

The smell of holiday scented candles adds to the magic of the home during the holidays, however that open flame should be intentionally placed. Never place your candles around the tree, lights, or fabric and paper decorations. Try to have constant locations for placing your candles, where you know no hazard exists and where the open flame can be monitored.

In any case, we at SERVPRO of East Dayton / Beavercreek hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday season. If you do have an accident this holiday season, make sure to call us at (937) 228-3433. We’ll do everything we can to ensure that your holidays are as magical as they can be by restoring your home as quickly as possible.

The Dangers in Your Home You Don't Know About

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Your place of serenity could cause you a lot more stress than you might imagine.

Nancy Nord, the commissioner of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, once said, “The home is where people feel comfortable and secure, but constant awareness is the key to keeping families safe.” She phrased perfectly the balance of owning a home. Of course it’s where you feel safest, and yet it can pose unpredictable threats to you and your family’s safety. What kind of threats are most common though? Well, as professionals in restoration and experts on damage sourced from fire, water, storm, and mold, SERVPRO knows a lot about these potential hazards. We’re here to share what we’ve learned with you, to keep your home as safe as you dream it can be.

Each year, on average, 20 million visits to the hospital across the United States are due to accidents involving the home. From a fall to a fire, a burn to a break, there are a number of sources of danger we need to be more conscious of. In our time in the restoration field, we have seen it all. Danger can be as obvious as an unmaintained basement, with exposed pipes and electrical circuits that threaten children. It can also be as silent as mold, growing from a water leak in the walls, polluting our home’s air. While there are regulations to make sure our homes are as up-to-date as possible, what can you do if you don’t even know the issue is there?

Here’s a story from one of SERVPRO’s recent jobs on mold remediation, since it appears to us that mold can be one of the trickiest dangers to avoid.

A busy family, with the size and chaos of the Brady bunch, had no idea that black mold was growing in the wall of their home’s foyer. The reason why they had no idea something so dangerous was happening in their own home was because of the way it had started. See, the bathroom above the foyer didn’t indicate any damage inside it, leaving them to believe everything was normal. However, there was a crack in the foundation of the bathtub. That meant every time someone took a shower or bath, a subtle amount of water was dripping into the foundation, until eventually the drywall had become soggy enough for mold to move in. Drywall is one of the most common places for mold to grow, due to its high quantity of cellulose, which creates a great living environment for mold. 

By the time we were called, the black mold was visible. The family was nervous when we arrived because they had no idea how the mold had happened. When mold grows, we tend to believe its due to a lack of cleanliness or, at least, a lack of awareness. But it’s perfectly normal to have situations where water damage can be so subtle we only find out about it when the damage is severe. We had to remove the drywall, because once mold grows in drywall it cannot be repaired. We were also able to repair the break in the bathtub and use our dehumidifiers to clear remaining moisture out of the air.

Sometimes things are out of our control, even in our safest place to be. That’s why SERVPRO of East Dayton / Beavercreek spreads what we know about possible dangers in the home, to protect you and your family. If you’re ever in need of restoration for water, fire, mold, or storm damage, give us a call. Let’s keep your house safe.

How a Snow Day Could Affect Your Home

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Snow is one of those aspects of life that is both beautiful and sometimes dangerous.

It’s pretty delightful watching our kids wander to the window and stare in awe at the snow falling outside. Especially when it sticks to the pavement, giving them the opportunity to build snowmen together or have a snowball fight. In general we perceive snowy days at nice, peaceful days. However there’s a few other things to consider as the snow falls and our homes are decorated in white. Before the first snowfall hits your area, avoid water damage danger by doing the following:

• clean out your gutters before the winter, making sure that snow can travel clearly through them when it melts.
• inspect your home’s foundation for cracks, where melting snow can sink into the home rather than the ground.
• add caulk around basement windows for proper protection.
• stock up on snow salt before winter hits, so that you’re ready for any sudden announcements of snow coming.
• make sure your tools, such as shovels or snow blowers, are ready for the upcoming season.

Why are these things so important? Well, while your home is susceptible to water damage all year long, snow poses a particularly scary threat. Since snow is the solid version of water, it can layer onto itself on top of and around the home. That means that when it is able to melt, a streamlike flow of water is bound to follow. This excess of water can seep into several parts of the home, from the roof to the foundation to the sides, and cost you and your family money that should otherwise be spent on the holidays. So make sure your home is safe from water damage. Should any water damage happen to you this upcoming snowy, winter season, call your affordable and speedy local SERVPRO of East Dayton / Beavercreek to make sure that come the holidays, you’ll be ready to host your family and spread the cheer!

The Chemistry Behind Fire

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

One little match carries enough potential ignition power to light a whole forest on fire.

In order to understand fire damage we should understand the process of fire itself. Fire occurring is due to the oxidation of something during the exothermic chemical process. Essentially, that means that when oxygen fuels combustion, heat and light are produced, which is what you see and feel as a result. While most of us aren’t chemists and haven’t been in a chemistry class in years, we can recall on some knowledge of elements and compounds to understand fire better. The flame itself occurs during the ignition point, which is a part of the combustion reaction. The flame, however, is only the visible part of the fire itself. The flames are a combination of not only oxygen, but also nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. A variety of temperatures and colors of the flames are produced dependent on the circumstances. Different materials can burn hotter, and some can create flames that may be blue in color. 

Fire is a hazard to life, once the reaction creates spreadable flames. Of course, we understand that it burns and spreads, however there are other dangerous aspects of fire itself. For one, it can create pollution because certain things, when burned, can put chemicals into the air. Plastic, for example, isn’t something that can be burned safely. Forest fires can threaten the nutrition in the soil, which can prevent a forest from growing back easily. Fires cause permanent damage.

Though fires are helpful, used to benefit the growth of society since the beginning of time, there are a lot of boundaries between it being helpful and destructive. For light and warmth we use it in many ways, but the moment we lose control of it, it threatens the well-being of our homes and belongings and lives.

Fire damage is important to take seriously, since the lingering effects of fire can harm our bodies, homes, and material possessions. In case of fire damage, immediately contact a restoration company such as SERVPRO of South Dayton to limit damaging after effects of the chemical process that we just learned about.

The Origins of SERVPRO

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Pride in the family values of SERVPRO keeps us growing.

Did you know that SERVPRO actually started as a painting company, that then offered restoration services in addition? Ten years after opening in 1967, the company purchased Bristol-Meyers Domesticare Division, which added 175 franchises to the young company. Eleven years after that purchase, in 1988, SERVPRO moved to Tennessee to be more accessible to the general population, being in a more central location of the country. The painting company that was founded in 1967 grew into a restoration giant that sold its 1,000th franchise in 2000, only 33 years after it was first founded. That immense growth as a business is a key detail in understanding why SERVPRO is the best there is in the restoration industry. Rick Isaacson, the executive vice president of SERVPRO Industries, Inc, said it best himself, “The SERVPRO franchise system is built around solid core values. As long as we provide superior service and focus on saving our clients money, we will continue to earn their business.” See, a business model centered around helping the clients get the best resources they can earns the money in the most honest way. These values are derived from the foundation of the business. A corporation that retains family business values can attain equal parts quality and quantity. Understanding a company’s values can really help us decide who to choose. We want the resources of a large scale company, of course, but also the customer relations and individuality of a local company. That’s why a company like SERVPRO has the best of both worlds. That’s why a company like SERVPRO is trusted nationally, so you know you can trust them too.

What SERVPRO Does Better than Other Restoration Companies

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

We have more than enough resources for any size job.

Two years after SERVPRO opened they had sold their first franchise. With that, they began their fast growth into the large company they are today. There’s a good reason why that growth was so fast. SERVPRO knows what they’re doing. In fact, they’ve created their own training programs for each employee to complete in order to verify the quality that is received for each and every job. When these specially trained professionals arrive at your doorstep, they do not come empty handed. State of the art restoration company is a part of the value of hiring SERVPRO. Upon the assessment, Moisture Detection equipment will be able to measure the quantity of water hidden in the damaged area. This can not only help identify a source, but also give the team areas to focus on, rather than tearing apart the entire area unless need be. After the assessment, the team will bring Water Extraction equipment, Drying equipment, Odor Removal and Deodorization equipment, as well as all the Sanitization needed to remove any bacteria remaining from the water damage. SERVPRO’s investment in high quality technology provided all the evidence you need to choose them for any damage you experience in your home, store, or building. The priority during the restoration process is not just quality, but speed. A speedy process is easier when using the newest technology. Dependent upon the area of the space affected, the appropriate quantity of equipment will arrive at the site promptly, saving you time and money. Water damage is an overwhelming situation to deal with, which no company understands better than SERVPRO.

SERVPRO's Hurricane Help

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

It's a scary moment when a hurricane touches land, and the most important thing is protecting the lives of those in that area.

We know the story of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike, which caused great damage to the South in 2005 and 2008. But did you know that SERVPRO signed government contracts to help clean up the water and storm damage that these historic hurricanes left? That’s right, SERVPRO became a nationally trusted restoration company in the late 2000s when they were hired to help with the awe-inducing damage that was left. Though SERVPRO is split into franchises, each location can be used to assist in larger jobs, such as storm damage, because of the vast amount of equipment each location has to offer. That’s why a large contact, like the one with the government, is possible. Since they started as a family business, SERVPRO has kept those same values even as they’ve increased their size. In a time of crisis, like when storms hit, a company of this size is able to extend help to all franchises in the surrounding area. That means that no matter how much damage is dealt, there are several SERVPRO franchises able to take part in the cleaning and restoring of neighborhoods and towns. This is just one aspect of the pride that comes with working for a company like this one, that is able to help at times when the country needs help most. Though we do not want storms to hit, at least we know that there are companies, like SERVPRO, to help quicken the process of returning life to normal afterwards. After all, that’s what family values are all about.

10 Years of Being the #1 Restoration Company

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Anywhere and anytime, water damage can happen.

For ten years now, SERVPRO has been winning awards and receiving recognition in many big business magazines. In fact, since 2009 they have won the title of #1 Restoration Company in Entrepreneur Magazine every year. There’s a good reason for that, too. SERVPRO knows the ins and outs of the restoration process and has created a training program for their employees that brings each and every franchise to the next level. SERVPRO has found the balance between corporate and local, because while each franchise is locally owned by your neighbor, their business has been trained by the award-winning corporate SERVPRO. Locally, as well, the franchises themselves earn rewards from not only SERVPRO Industries, but also from surrounding contractor awards. For example, your local SERVPRO of East Dayton won the Golden Hammer Award from Contractor Connection in 2018 for “Exemplary Performance and Dedication.” That means it isn’t just the core of the business that’s proving the value of working with SERVPRO, even the franchises themselves uphold these same values. What are these values, exactly? For one, saving the client money. In such a stressful situation, the last thing anyone wants is to be afraid of breaking the bank over an unpredictable event. That’s why affordability is a core value. Likewise, quality ensures that no further damage happens after the restoration process takes place. Once the job is done, it really is done and you don’t have to worry about anything else. Combining these two integral values ensures that people really do get the best out of the restoration process.

Does Your Insurance Cover Water Damage?

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Where water damage comes from matters; it affects how damaging it is to your home.

Approximately 98% of basements will experience water damage in their lifetime. The inevitability isn’t too surprising considering basements are underground and therefore prone to things like gravity and the consequences of whatever happens in the home above. Considering this statistic, it’s safe to say that understanding the processes of both the water damage itself and the restoration required to fix it is genuinely useful for homeowners. 

Here’s what you don’t know about water damage.

First off, water damage insurance and flood insurance are different. If you live in an area not prone to floods, you don’t need to get flood insurance just to protect your home from water damage. They’re different insurance types entirely. In addition, not all water damage is actually insured. For instance, water damage related to neglection of the property may not be covered the way a sudden disaster’s effects would be. Once water damage has impacted the home, in any area, call insurance immediately. The sooner the better since they need the complete details in order to determine the cause, the damage, and therefore pay the restoration company. If you find dealing with insurance a pain, no worries. Restoration companies like, for example, SERVPRO can help you with insurance in addition to repairing the site of the water damage.

Once insurance is dealt with, there’s a few other things to consider. Some water damage, depending on the source, can be polluted and dangerous to be in or around. It is not recommended to explore the damage personally, especially if it’s a large quantity of water and in a location like the basement. In addition, the moment the water damage happens it is getting worse and worse every minute. That is why there is a sense of urgency that comes with water damage. More than the water, the dangers of water damage come with water the water causes. This includes mold growth, structural damage, destruction of personal items. The sooner the area of damage can be dried and restored, the better off the home is. The same way you wouldn’t avoid going to the doctor if a sudden pain erupted in your body, your home needs similar urgency to keep its integrity and continue to serve you and your family in a safe way.

In case of a water damage emergency, consider SERVPRO of Huber Heights. They can assist you with your insurance, be at the site within twenty-four hours, and use the most powerful possible equipment to return your home to normal in no time.

Can Water Damage in Your Apartment Affect Your Neighbors?

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

The benefit may be the same as the drawback for apartments: in a confined place, you're tied to your neighbors.

Apartments are convenient for many reasons, like cost, location, and in-building facilities. One factor that can be a benefit or a drawback is the relationship between neighbors of an apartment building. One apartment’s water damage can easily become water damage for surrounding neighbors. If you’ve experienced water damage of any kind in your apartment, for example:

• A burst pipe
• Overflowed toilet
• Cracks in bath causing flooding
• Large spills
• Dysfunctional appliances

It is very possible that the water damage in your apartment could reach the apartment below or beside you. Being that water is heavy in large quantities, can break through material when built up, and flows through all kinds of materials laterally, then it’s more than likely that the damage might reach another neighbor. Don’t feel bad, it’s a very common issue and the physical properties of water cause it to spread easily through floors. So, what do you do?

• Contact Your Property Manager
• Recommend SERVPRO as Your Water Restoration Specialist
• Alert Neighbors to Check for Water Damage

The property manager will repair the damage for both you and your neighbor. When SERVPRO arrives at the scene they’ll finish the rest of the restoration process, which is a five step process.

• Contact (This is what you and your property manager did in calling SERVPRO)
• Assessment (SERVPRO reviews the damage and creates a plan)
• Drying (Using their equipment, the drying process begins)
• Salvage (Any water damaged material that isn’t ruined is now restored)
• Restoration (Ensuring the quality of every damaged material)

The First Thing to Do When Your Property is Damaged

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

Each commercial property comes with its own set of variables when restoring damage.

When damage occurs in a commercial property, the capacity for the spread of damage is much higher than in a personal property. From surface area to multiple floors, there’s far more to consider when repairing a commercial property. The quantity of people using bathrooms, sinks, ovens, and other appliances raises the risk factor of accidental damage taking place. When it does occur, it can create a decent mound of stress for any property manager in charge of maintenance and restoration. Make sure to take the first, important steps:

1. Take pictures of everything. You’ll want to remember each part that needs to be fixed and make sure everything is returned to normal.
2. Ensure your restoration professional has the right equipment. In order for any restoration professional to cover a large surface area or multiple floors, depending on the structure of your commercial property, they’re going to need a large quantity of equipment and workforce. Equipment includes: Dehumidifiers (for restoring humidity), air movers (for drying quickly), truck mounted vacuums (for drying surface water), and negative air machines (for trapping contaminated air).
3. Call the right restoration professional. SERVPRO is a large restoration company, with over 1,700 locations nationwide. They know what the standards are for a professional restoration job, and they have a large quantity of equipment and employees to bring their best effort to the table, regardless of the size of the project.

If you’re a property manager, unsure where to start with a little or big restoration job, call SERVPRO of East Dayton to take the weight off your shoulders. In just one call you can alert SERVPRO of the necessary procedures needed to take care of the damage in a time efficient manner and return operations to normal. While businesses are not immune to any restoration needs, time is the most valuable consideration in commercial restoration projects. Your business will be returned to normal as soon as you call your local SERVPRO.

Does Size of Property Change Restoration Process?

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

No project intimidates the skills and tools of your local SERVPRO.

The size of a property does not change the restoration process, in terms of the steps needing to be taken. The process can slide on a scale of necessary equipment and workforce, but remains the same. For instance, if you had two floors of completely soaked flooring, one plan might be two individuals running each floor with as many tools as needed in the assessment. While for homeowners, a smaller sized restoration company could get the work done and in a timely manner, considering the smaller surface area of possible damage and the amount of equipment needed, however commercial properties may not be able to use smaller restoration companies. The best bet for a commercial property in need of any type of restoration, whether its fire, water, mold, or storm damage, is a company that has a large supply of equipment at hand. The volume of equipment and workforce that SERVPRO of East Dayton has allows quick response time and quick restore time, because any number of people and tools can be at the location in a prompt time. In the past, SERVPRO has helped restore a number of commercial properties including:

• Office buildings
• Retail stores
• Strip malls 
• Apartment buildings
• Hotels
• Restaurants

Don’t worry about the size of the damage, the tenements or individuals affected by the restoration process, or anything else that might prohibit smooth running of the business. That will be little to no concern with SERVPRO, who knows efficiency and can create a flexible restoration plan that works around business operations, allowing you to keep running or to be back as quickly as possible.

What Every Property Manger Needs to Know

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

This is what your team should look like, even in the middle of a restoration project.

The main causes of water damage in a commercial property is appliance leaks and overflowing, plumping breaks and leaks, large spills, and natural disasters infiltrating the structure of the building. This isn’t even including the high population that runs through a building. Customers using the restroom, employees using appliances like a coffee machine or dishwasher, the large quantity of piping needed to cover an entire building. A home bathroom may be used a few times every day, but a building bathroom could be used several hundred times a day, creating a far greater opportunity for damage to occur. 

A couple of things to know about water damage in a commercial setting:

• There are three types of water that can be a part of water damage. 
• Clean water damage, caused by rain or clean appliance leaks.
• Gray water damage, caused by overflowing appliances or treated water.
• Black water damage, caused by sewage or flooding.
• Identify recurring sources of water damage.
• Follow up with affected individuals after restoration process has been completed.
• Reusing one restoration professional can allow them to understand the needs of the building really well.

When choosing a restoration professional to have continued service with, consider the following:

• Does their amount of equipment and workforce meet the requirement of restoring your specific location’s requirements?
• How efficiently can they restore your location so business can move on as normal?
• How quickly can they pursue the project after receiving details and doing an assessment of the damage?
• How can you get the best price to stay in your business’ budget?

SERVPRO of East Dayton can take care of all those considerations. They are a franchise of a large business, therefore having any needed equipment readily available. They also are local as a result of being independently owned, so they know the area and can give you small business, local prices. They are also a 24/7 hour emergency location. Your needs can be met before you even list them out.

The Future of the Restoration Industry

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

The restoration industry is profitable and a highly needed service.

Any business that uses a commercial space to conduct itself will come into contact with a restoration company at some point or another. From one business to another, it could be useful to understand the interest behind any company that you do business with. Especially considering that the restoration industry has taken off, there are some interesting things to know about the industry as a whole.

Property restoration is currently a growth industry. This isn’t to say that it’s an easy industry to build a business in, being that it does require professional knowledge of damage and services to fix damage, however it does coincide with hot topics. For instance, as the amount and strength of hurricanes increases due to the warming of the Earth over time, more and more damage has been needed in the South East part of the United States. During especially bad hurricanes, like Katrina of Louisiana, some restoration businesses increased profits by as much as doubling net gain in that year. The best part of the restoration industry is knowing that although large damage provides a high profit margin for restoration companies, this all comes from helping return the communities to the way they were before the storm hit. The restoration industry is not only profitable, but an honest service. 

Even smaller projects, like buildings and homes, comes from the service of returning peoples’ lives to the way it was before the damage occurred. In addition, franchise formatted restoration services provide an avenue for which companies can arrive even sooner to the location of need. 24/7 hour emergency would be less possible if it weren’t for the large access to professional equipment and employees.

External Versus Internal Sources of Water Damage

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage has a variety of sources.

Water damage affects parts of the home differently, especially considering whether the source of the damage was internal or external. For example, an external leak from heavy rain is water that has crossed paths with many contaminants on its way into the home. Internal leaks, on the other hand, is often the water we would be using anyways and therefore change the concern about the water damage clean up. Safety concerns vary with each flood, leak, or build up. It also matters where in the house the water damage is located. Water damage in the ceiling can cause instability in the infrastructure of the home, and can allow breakage between the floors of the house. Water damage near the windows usually result in puddles forming under the carpet or hardwood floors, as well as within the walls surrounding the window, which can lead to peeling of the paint. While damage in this area doesn’t necessarily lead to furniture falling from the ceiling in worst case scenarios, it does force us to not only replace but repaint entire sections of the home. In all cases, a water damage assessment by a professional is necessary to know the full extent of the damage. Because SERVPRO of East Dayton and Beavercreek is a 24 hour emergency location, no matter what time you find water damage, help is just one phone call away. To have water restoration professionals able to arrive within a couple hours can take the headache out of where and how the damage occurred in the first place. SERVPRO knows how to assess and repair damage so you don’t have to.

Water Damage on Wood Versus Carpet

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Though the floor is not the center point of our home, the decision of what to use is just as important.

Carpet and hardwood retain water differently and, as a result, require different processes in order to dry them. Carpets can very quickly become unsalvageable if they become entirely soaked or if delamination occurs. When a carpet experiences delamination, it is unable to remain adhesed to the floor and therefore must be replaced with new carpet. On the other hand, if the damage isn’t detrimental to the carpet’s adhesiveness, a wet dry vacuum can be used to help begin the drying process before water damage professionals even arrive. Carpet fibers react differently to water. Wool is one of the more expensive carpet fibers to use and yet it can be more prone to mold and mildew. Triexta is a more affordable carpet fiber and is known to non-absorbent and therefore resistant to mildew.

Wood is different because wood floors can vary in thickness and therefore damage potential. Certain types of wood handles water differently. For instance, Oak, Maple, and Cherry wood are the most commonly used for flooring and furniture due to their water resistance. On the other hand, Bamboo and Coconut Timber can be used but can require adhesives that can be undone by water damage. Wood needs to be removed in order to get rid of the moisture underneath, but depending on the integrity of the wood it can be put back after the water has been removed.

Regardless of whether water damage has been done to carpet or wood, it’s vital to hire a water damage professional to remove all the water. SERVPRO knows the best action to take for each type of floor, so if you find yourself with carpet or hardwood floor water damage make sure to call your local SERVPRO of East Dayton and Beavercreek.

What Type of Mold is in Your Home?

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Danger presented from mold varies by type. Have a professional check.

There are over 10,000 species of mold, that we’re aware of, in the world. Don’t worry, though. Only 5 of these 10,000 species are commonly found inside of our houses. These 5 types vary in danger, but nonetheless all 5 need to be removed as quickly as possible.

One type is Alternaria, which comes from water damage. Materials retaining water create an attractive atmosphere for this type of mold. Once growing, it can cause allergic reactions and asthma for anyone living in close proximity to it.

Another type is Aspergillus, which is the most common type we know of. It causes respiratory infections and inflammation, posing more of a danger than the typical allergic reactions that come from mold. It prefers warmer temperatures.

Cladosporium grows is lower temperatures than its’ fellow mold, but just as easily triggers asthma in anyone in contact with it.

One of the more musty smelling types of mold is Penicillium, which grows specifically on carpet, wallpaper, and insulation. Its’ strong odor can bring attention to it. Though we hopefully find it first due to the strong odor, sometimes bugs find it before us, attracted to the moldy stench it creates.

And finally, the one we have heard about through scary tales, Stachbotrys Chartarum or black mold. It is the most dangerous of the five household molds, being that it causes severe health issues to anyone in contact with it. It grows anywhere that water damage has been sitting, undealt with, creating the perfect atmosphere for growth. The longer the water damage stays in one spot, the easier it is for black mold to grow and pose a health threat.

If you have any reason to believe mold is growing in your home, get a mold remediation specialist to give you peace of mind. SERVPRO of East Dayton and Beavercreek can be at your home in a timely manner to assure the safety of your home.

How Quickly Does Mold Grow?

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

We can't see the process that takes place in the mold life cycle until its already begun doing damage.

Molds develop as quickly as 24 to 48 hours but can remain hidden until the spores are large enough to have done considerable damage. Even worse, dead mold spores can continue to be just as harmful to our health as live mold spores. The life cycle of mold takes four main steps. While there are complicated words and processes that occur, here is the life cycle of mold in the simplest form:

• Spore

Once an environment has created ideal conditions for mold growth, spores begin to germinate. Then they break off and travel through either air or water.

• Germ

Spores can stay dormant until in the ideal environment. In such conditions, they begin to swell, growing to a much bigger size.

• Hypha

The swollen spore consumes enzymes of the organic material it grows off, breaking down the nutrients to grow even bigger.

• Mature Mycelium

Once large enough, the structure the mold grew on becomes weak, being consumed by the now fully grown mold. Reproduction of spores now occurs.

The process of mold growth is something out of a biology class, not easy to remember and rarely useful, even if we find mold in our own homes. In the case of finding mold in your home, the best thing to do is to call a mold remediation specialist to contain, control, and remove the mold and its source of growth. Contact your local SERVPRO of East Dayton today to see how they can help you avoid further growth and damage to your home.

Mold Attracts Many Types of Bugs

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes the smaller the bug, the scarier they can be. We aren't aware of every type of bug that affects our lives.

Mold attracts a number of bugs due to the fact that it breaks down things that bugs commonly consume. Cockroaches are attracted to moldy areas because mold breaks down paper, cockroaches food of choice. The mold makes the paper easier to digest which allows the nasty little bugs to consume lots of it, easier, and therefore repopulate faster. A thriving environment for cockroaches is anywhere mold has reached wallpaper or a bookshelf. Likewise, booklice enjoy mold for the same reason. Moldy paper is easier to digest for booklice the same way it is for cockroaches. Mold mites, on the other hand, consume the mold directly. Though this almost seems ideal, being that they feast on the mold itself, mold mites produce hairs on their bodies that cause allergic reactions for humans. These hairs float off of their bodies and into the air and is undetectable to us. We may have a reaction to mold mites without even knowing that they’re there. The odor produced by mold attracts termites, being that termites know where there is mold there is weakened wood to consume. 

Knowing that bugs are attracted to mold is frustrating because these bugs create damage in our homes just as much as the mold and water damage. What started as a simple leak or build up now result in multiple sources of home damage. Because of this, the best time to act on the discovery of water damage or mold is as soon as it is found. To make things easy, give a call to your local SERVPRO of East Dayton. They know water damage and mold remediation, so you’re in good hands. In addition to be specialists as this field, they know about the promptness necessary in attacking mold, so they’ll be at your door soon after you make the call. They care as much about your home as you do.

How Mold Makes Your Home Dangerous

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can make our homes a dangerous place to be, especially if we aren't aware that the mold has even began to grow.

Mold damage costs homeowners in the United States $73 billion a year, on average. Every year mold alone ruins more wood than fires and termites together. Mold produces mycotoxins, which are toxic chemicals that can be poisonous. However, despite some popular myths, the musty smell that comes with mold is not the smell of mycotoxins being produced. Fortunately, if you worry that you’ve been exposed to mycotoxins, there are simple urine tests that can be done to detect the presence in your body. However in order to detect it in the home a mold specialist is required to conduct a mold control test. Since the average homeowner does not have an easy way of knowing what kind of mold is growing in their home, the first step is to call a mold specialist, like SERVPRO, and get an assessment done. But what does a mold specialist do when they come to our homes? Well first they’ll do an air sample. Mold spores can travel through air, undetectable to the human eye. If the source of the mold is found, for instance water damage in a specific area, then a surface sample will be taken there. Once the samples have been reviewed and mold has been confirmed in the air or surface, your local mold specialist will arrive in safety gear and begin the removal process. Fortunately, companies like SERVPRO of Beavercreek have 24/7 emergency response so we don’t have to wait around to know about the safety of our homes. Sooner than you think, a mold remediation specialist could be arriving in their gear and with their tests, ready to give you the information you need to keep your home safe.

What Time of Year Do Storms Mostly Occur?

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Summer fun doesn't have to end just because of a seasonal storm.

Every year there are an average of 100,000 thunderstorms, 10% of which are categorized as severe storms. Though this is a year-round statistic, most storms take place within the spring and summer months, between the hours of noon and midnight. The reason why this time of year is beneficial for the formation of thunderstorms is due to the warming of the Earth. Starting in the spring and especially in the summer, the sun is out for longer than it is during the fall or winter. This gives sunlight time to warm the surface of the Earth, therefore warming the air surrounding the areas where this is happening. While most of us enjoy this process because it makes the temperature perfect for going outside, it creates the ideal conditions for a thunderstorm to form. Though air near the surface of the Earth becomes hotter during these months, the air higher in the sky remains below freezing throughout the entire year. Therefore, when something triggers the warmer air upwards, colliding with the freezing air, the contact of these differing temperature particles creates electric charges. In the fall and winter the air near the surface is cooler, due to less sunlight and distance from the sun, so should the surface air collide with the distant air, there is no opposing force to cause electric charges. It makes sense why we relate thunderstorms to the summer, then. 

What this means for homeowners is that summertime is when storm damage is most likely to occur. While we have differing concerns for each season, warm weather brings general storm damage opportunities. Heavy rainfall can create floods which pose a threat of water damage. Lightning strikes can cause fire damage if they hit near our homes. There’s a lot to think about in the otherwise enjoyable warm months of the year.

However storms affect the home, SERVPRO of East Dayton covers any destruction that may come from a storm. Summer is the time of year we allow ourselves to kick back, relax, and enjoy the sunlight. Don’t let storm damage stop you from experiencing summer relaxation. Call your local SERVPRO for any storm damage needs.

How Does Smoke Affect Our Body?

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke affects our bodies in different ways depending on our age, previous ailments, and duration in the smoke.

Inside smoke from fire are several chemical irritants, such as chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, and sulfur dioxide. Smoke inhalation irritates the respiratory tract lining which can result in the collapsing of the airway. Some people are more prone to bodily damage from smoke. Older adults may have weaker internal organs which can be harmed quicker from smoke inhalation. Because children and teenagers’ bodies are still developing, smoke can affect them more intensely than a fully developed adult. Anyone with heart or lung disease or diabetes can have their conditions be triggered by smoke damage, resulting in stroke or heart attack. Pregnant women are at danger themselves due to the changes in their body, but the fetus can also be heavily affected, preventing normal development stages from occurring.

Smoke first affects anyone inhaling it by burning the eyes, making the nose runny, inducing coughing and wheezing. If chest pain or fatigue occurs there might be more severe damage being experienced, and people with such symptoms need to be removed from the room or building as quickly as possible to prevent fainting or cardiac arrest.

Even a strong, fully developed adult can be at risk for severe damage due to the chemicals in the air as mentioned before. This is why firefighters wear masks when entering a burning building, and why it is not recommended to attempt to save anyone without the proper gear. Carbon monoxide poisoning first causes the person to faint and then continues to enter the body until it has shut down the function of the major organs, killing them after they’ve gone unconscious.

This is important information to know in case of a fire in your home. While your natural instinct may be to save other people within the home, staying any longer within a burning building can cause unseen damage. Immediately call the fire department and exit the building. They have the gear to enter and exit in a safe manner, while keeping everyone affected by a fire safe.

While the most important consideration following a fire is the safety of the family, when it is time to repair the damage, hire your local SERVPRO. Firefighters respond to a fire currently in progress, and SERVPRO responds to everything that follows.

How Fire Spreads: What Gets Damaged First?

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Firefighters stop the fire. SERVPRO repairs the fire damage.

The more carbon monoxide in the air, the harder it is to escape from a fire. When a fire starts, it uses the naturally occurring oxygen in the air to create carbon monoxide. This is because fires add Carbon (C) to the Oxygen (O) which creates Carbon Monoxide (CO). The longer a fire burns, the more carbon monoxide is created until all of the pre-existing oxygen has been used up. It is at this point that the air in a burning building becomes unbreathable, causing any humans in the vicinity to faint and eventually lose function of their lungs. 

Fire damage spreads in different ways depending on the source of the fire. Some fires expand due to the large quantity of oxygen molecules that can be consumed. Some spread with the help of grease and oils. It is never recommended to put out a fire yourself, instead call the local fire department for professional assistance. However, in case of an emergency, make sure to deprive the fire of oxygen if possible. For example, if a fire began in the kitchen due to cooking in a pot or pan, you may be able to cease the spread of the fire by placing a lid on top which cuts off the oxygen. 

In most situations, the fire spreads quickly enough that it cannot be stopped. Within just minutes of the fire’s ignition, poisonous gases like carbon monoxide are already being emitted into the air. Evacuation is the most important step for safety at this point. 

Once you and your family or neighbors have evacuated the building to a safe location, the hot air created by the fire spreads throughout the building and into other rooms. It only takes five minutes for the air to reach temperatures as hot as 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Within such a small time frame, the fire eats away at the structure of the building, which in most cases comprised of wood frames, insulation, and other flammable materials.

Once the fire has been put out by firefighters, what does fire damage look like? Although it depends on the length of time the fire burned, damage can be done regardless of where the fire spread. Even in rooms untouched by fire, hot air could still have traveled through the entire house, melting anything plastic or glass. Even wood beams that are still standing can be a danger because they have still been weakened. Soot sticks to floors, ceilings, and walls, and still contain dangerous byproducts of anything burned despite the fire being over.

Remember to talk to your fire department after the fact about the safety hazards of reentering the building. No matter how bad the damage may be, whether is extends just above the oven or within the entire structure of the building, contact a professional fire damage specialist to remove the fire damage. 

Fire damage specialists have the necessary materials, including safety gear, to rid the home of toxins and restore the integrity of the internal structure. SERVPRO of East Dayton arrives promptly and charges affordably, so that life can return to normal just as quickly as the fire spread.

Does Your Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

We can't undo fires, but we can undo fire damage.

Although only 7% of house fires start in the bedroom, 73% of house fire fatalities are due to these kinds of fires. Fires that start in the bedroom are nearly always accidents caused by a lack of mindfulness when dealing with heat producing objects. For example, one of the most common causes of bedroom fires are objects like curling irons or straighteners being left 0n the bed or carpet. Even if they have been turned off, these can be hot enough to start a fire for up to ten minutes after being unplugged. Another common cause is smoking in the bedroom, which can be dangerous even when the cigarette has been put out in an ashtray because the ashes can continue to produce heat. 

Even when taking steps to prevent fires from happening, it’s vital to keep inventory of anything that could be damaged in the event of a fire. This is so that if fire does unfortunately occur, accurate assessment of the fire damage coverage can help restore all lost belongings. Personal property is just one of the things that most fire damage insurance covers. It also covers detached structures, like sheds, and dwellings, like porches. So long as there is an accurate fire damage appraisal done of all loses, you then have two options on how to receive the financial compensation for such loses. The first would be actual cash value, which calculates how much the lost items would be worth today and awarding that exact amount in cash value. The other option is a replacement cost, which would replace the item for similar to the value it was purchased for. There are pros and cons to both forms of insurance. While the value of the replacement cost of damaged items would be higher than the cash value, the ability to decide what to do with the cash value is up to the homeowner. 

If your goal is to return your home to the way it was before the fire damage occurred, your best bet would be a replacement cost insurance policy. If you’d rather use the value of the loss items to spend the money elsewhere, whether to assist in the repairing of the home or for other personal needs, then an actual cash value wouldn’t be a bad idea.

In any case, SERVPRO of East Dayton knows fire damage restoration. There’s a lot to think about when picking an insurance policy, but little to think about when picking a company to fix the fire damage. In little to no time SERVPRO can be on the scene. Returning your home to the way it was before is an easy job for a company as widespread and equipped as they are.

Does Fire Damage Require Demolition?

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

When the scariest part is over, SERVPRO is there to clean up the mess.

In the United States, a fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds. Fire damage varies with each fire, from a burnt kitchen to an entire home. To the fire fighters, the goal is to stop the fire. After that has been achieved the following responsibilities are left to the homeowner. Luckily, no homeowner is left alone in making decisions about what to do with their damaged home. The next steps are to contact insurance and then decide how to move forward with rebuilding.

It is more expensive to demolish fire damaged buildings than it is to repair them. Every fire is individual though. Demolition prices consider the following aspects: structure size, geographic location of structure, materials of structure, and the quantity of still standing structure. In some cases, demolition is required because there is a lack of salvageable material. With demolition comes rebuilding, which are equally expensive processes. If it is possible to simply restore the fire damage, that would be the most cost efficient solution after a fire.

When considering demolition versus restoration, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much is insurance contributing to rebuilding?
• How much can you currently afford to pay personally?
• Do you have a place you can stay during construction?
• Do you have access to affordable restoration companies?

If you live in the East Dayton or Beavercreek area, the answer to the last part is yes, you do. In cases where restoration is an option, consider SERVPRO of East Dayton. Why? Restoration is usually more affordable, and in certain situations you can continue to live in your home while the restoration process occurs, saving you money. It’s a myth that the home structure is stronger when completely rebuilt. If using the right fire damage restoration company, restoration can be just as successful at repairing the strength of the home. In addition, demolition requires permits, paperwork, and extra hassle to even begin the process. SERVPRO can be at your door the next day with the equipment and people to begin immediately. Afterall, their main goal is to make your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage on Different Materials

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

This home, made mostly of wood, was made of materials that made the spread of fire easier.

Within the years of 2007 and 2011, lightning strikes resulted in $451 million in property damage. There are several causes of fire damage, but the sources that are outside of our control are the scariest. While you can monitor your appliances, fireplace, cooking, and other causes of fires, some causes will always be outside of your control. That’s why it’s important to know whatever you can about the effects of fire damage so that no matter what happens, you’re prepared. 

One valuable thing to understand is the potential of damage in your own home. Damage occurs differently on certain materials. It’s common knowledge that fire uses wood as fuel and therefore can spread from wood beam to wood beam, which usually makes up the internal structure of the average home. But what about less flammable materials? A concrete foundation, for example. 

Concrete may not catch on fire, like wood, however it still experiences damage from exposure to high temperatures. The reason for this is the expansion of the material that makes up concrete, which can lead to breakage. Likewise, steel beams do not catch on fire but can bend and sag due to exposure to high temperatures. This means that while these materials may not contribute to the spreading of a fire, they can be affected by a fire and in certain circumstances need replacement.

The only absolute answer to how a fire has damaged a home is to get a fire damage assessment. Fire damaged wood and fire damaged concrete may require different restoration processes, but nonetheless you can go to one company for all fire damage restoration needs. SERVPRO of East Dayton is one of those companies, and they can use their fire restoration knowledge to assess any material that has been affected by a fire.

The Necessities for Storm Preparation

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Lightning from a far distance is amazing, but less so when it gets closer to our homes.

The United States is the World’s Tornado Capital, specifically the midwest region including states like Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Ohio. We can’t save our home from the inevitable effects of severe storms. However, we can save our families by having a storm kit easily accessible in our home. Some 0bvious things to keep in a storm kit: a first aid kit, list of emergency phone numbers, bottled water, nonperishable food, battery powered flashlight, and extra batteries. But what about the less obvious things? Other necessities could be: extra cash (kept in a water-tight bag), extra clothing (also kept in a water-tight bag), a non-electric can opener, sturdy boots, and prescriptions or required medicine. What are the things our families cannot survive without on a daily basis? We may forget our medicines or dry clothing when we focus on dealing with disaster. The most important thing to consider when a storm is on its way is how to care for your family. Storm damage on the structure of the home can be repaired afterwards. Storm damage in Beavercreek happens mostly to neighborhoods. Focus on caring for your family when a storm heads your way. Luckily, our local news station provides us with storm tracker information so we can know where the storm is located. After it ends, if storm damage occurs stress can be limited with the help of SERVPRO, a company of professionals in storm damage restoration. They focus on returning the quality of our homes and businesses to before the storm even hit. Knowing how to protect our family and who to call when damage ensues is all we need when storms are on their way. SERVPRO can take the stress out of the uncontrollable weather.

The Difference Between a Storm Warning and a Storm Watch

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

During a storm, lightning is looking for the strongest pull to the Earth. Wherever that pull is, damage always follows.

Population size can affect the severity of a storm by at least 2% in rainfall. This is due to a higher temperature in cities like Dayton, Ohio. Our phones have the convenient ability to alert us of an oncoming storm, whether the storm happens tonight, tomorrow, or within the next few days. However these alerts come with two different descriptions of the storm, a storm watch or a storm warning. Without being informed on the difference between the two, how can we know how prepared we need to be for storms headed our way? Here’s the difference. A storm warning is a less severe storm message. 

A storm warning is for a storm that:

• will arrive soon 
• lasts between twenty minutes and an hour
• covers only portions of a county
• indicates we should take cover when the message is received

A storm watch is for a storm that:

• will arrive within a few hours
• lasts for several hours
• can cover across multiple states
• indicates we should have a plan prepared for when it arrives

With this information, we can better prepare ourselves for when that message shows up on phones. The next time a storm message arrives, whether a watch or a warning, save your stress about the possibility of damage until the following day. And before looking for how to handle storm damage from last night, consider hiring storm damage specialists directly from businesses like your local SERVPRO, who have the power of a commercial company with the speed and customer service of a local company. SERVPRO can take all the hassle out of the inevitable. While we cannot avoid the path of a storm, they can restore our homes as though storms never happen.

Types of Storms and What to Look For

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

We can usually tell what is headed our way, even from a far distance. A build up of clouds like this indicate a storm is coming.

Lightning strikes are 50,0oo°Fahrenheit, which is five times hotter than the surface of the Sun. That’s a terrifying fact knowing how often these strikes hit the surface of the Earth. While cool storm videos are cool to watch, it’s less fun when the storm we’re watching is headed our way. There are many types of storms that can affect our lives. The most common types of storms include: thunderstorms, hail storms, blizzards, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. Each storm can make itself obvious from the formation of the sky when it occurs. For example, a thunderstorm often presents itself as an anvil shaped cloud at first, low and flat at the bottom while standing tall. An easy way to tell it’s a blizzard and not just regular snow is the visibility. Blizzards lessen the visibility for at last three hours, usually longer. Hail storms can present a variety of danger as the hail itself can be as small as peas and as large as watermelons. While larger hail can have more powerful damage, crushing cars, roofs, windows, etc, small hail can also break windows and create holes in roofs. Fortunately, storms may cause inevitable damage to our homes but not irreversible damage. Storm damage assessments are not hard to receive, especially from specialists like your local SERVPRO of East Dayton. It can be fun to know more about types of storms when we’re aware of how close a storm damage professional is, and how easy it is for a company like SERVPRO to return our home as if the damage never occurred.

Measuring the Size of a Potential Storm at Home

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Nature is beautiful but can rob us of time and money when storms happen to us.

In 2018 climate disasters cost Americans a total of $91.0 billion in damage. Some storms drift by without a single scratch on our homes. Some storms cause damage that causes us both stress and money. While we receive storm warnings and watches from our phones, TVs, and computers, news channels cannot assess personal damage to each individual family home. Storm and rain damage can lead to other issues, not only destroying the structure of the home but creating leaks from burst pipes, water buildup, and other internal issues. The best thing to do for prevention of storm damage would be to consistently monitor the integrity of our roof and pipes. Of course that isn’t always manageable with a busy schedule. No one can blame homeowners for not knowing every detail of their home, especially when damage will occur regardless. In order to tell if storm damage is potential, consider the following. Is it a storm warning or a storm watch? Storm watches are more severe storms, therefore more likely to do damage. What other factors does a specific storm bring? Large enough sized hail can do roof damage, shatter windows, and dent cars. If storm damage does occur, leave the stress to storm damage specialists. A storm damaged roof is a dangerous site to repair, and companies like SERVPRO are equipped with the necessary equipment to repair while staying safe and avoiding further damage. Once the structure of the roof has been secured again, tiles can be replaced and secured easily. The process not only repairs previous damage, but can prevent damage in the future by reinforcing the strength of a storm damaged roof.

How Secure is Your Roof During a Storm?

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms may be common enough to not worry us, but the damage is drastic.

Lightning can and will strike the same place twice, regardless of the myth that “Lightning never strikes the same spot twice.” This is bad news for anyone with Astraphobia, the fear of thunder and lightning. Astraphobia is the third most common phobia in the United States, which is probably why someone made up the myth that lightning strikes certain areas only once. If a location has the electric current to pull a strike of lightning down to Earth, that won’t go away after it a strike has already happened. When a thin tree fell on the roof of a local Beavercreek family and broke through the structure, they didn’t know where to begin. It can seem intimidating at first, especially from something unsuspecting like a smaller sized tree. Damage from storms can be unpredictable and uncontrollable, leaving homeowners like the ones we worked with confused on where to even begin. Luckily, they found SERVPRO of East Dayton through a neighbor that had worked with them to repair water damage months prior. The benefit of a company like SERVPRO of Beavercreek is the power of a commercial business with the care of a local business. The people of this SERVPRO work are ready to repair whatever damage ensues as soon as the calls arrive. The goal of any damage restoration company is to make larger than life issues not as big as they seem. SERVPRO does this by arriving to the site promptly and repairing the damage as efficiently as possible.

Nasty Odor in Dayton Family’s Home

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Photo of after SERVPRO has completed the water damage restoration to a local home.

The mold removal specialists at SERVPRO engaged in a sudden need for mold removal in the family room of a home located in Dayton, Ohio. Unknown to the family, mold had grown from a loose pipe above the family room, spreading above the ceiling. While some damage is impossible to ignore, some damage can just as easily slip past as a damp carpet or leaky spot in the ceiling. Fortunately enough, a smell emitting from the mold caught these homeowners’ attention. Despite the common mistake of disregarding foul odors as more temporary issues, this particular family had a sense to contact odor removal professionals just to be safe. Starting with rug and ceiling removal, the team was able to analyze the issue and head in with a well-planned removal of all the mold. Within hours of the initial call, the project was underway to restore the home to its’ usual smell. Having dehumidifiers, tools, and cords from any contractor taking up space for too long in a home can take away from the relief of coming home from school, work, or a pleasant day out. That’s why SERVPRO plans their project for maximum efficiency, whether it includes rug cleaning, mold clean up, or odor removal. In addition to restoring the quality of the home, restoring the lack of stress about home ownership provides an example of the customer service that is given in stressful situations like this one. The goal of  SERVPRO is to make it “Like it never even happened,” and this is just one of many examples of how that gets done for anyone who services SERVPRO for their restoration needs.

How to Remove Smoke Smells from Your Home

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Room with fire damage before SERVPRO has started on fire restoration.

Smells spread through the air and usually contain themselves to certain areas based on distance from source of smell, quality of air in the surrounding area, and general temperature. Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as coaxing a cloud of any certain smell out of its general location to remove odors. The internet is home to plenty of life hacks and lessons on how to save money, and like everything else this includes smoke smell removal techniques. However the truth about damage like this is that it is not possible to remove a smell, let alone the dangerous chemicals that may be combined with said smell, with only some internet tips. Decontaminating the source of air movement and providing fire restoration repairs to internal parts of the home is vital. However these projects can be underway as soon as the phone call with your local SERVPRO ends, saving time and effort from people affected by fire damage. Soot clean up and smoke smell removal make the homeowners’ work far easier when done by fire restoration professionals. The team at SERVPRO is well versed in fire restoration and believe in making affected areas look “Like it never even happened.” You deserve the best when it comes to the quality of your home, so don’t settle for anything less than professional damage restoration by the company that does it best. If you do like tips and tricks, though, here’s a good one: Ash and soot and create lingering smells when embedded in the dirt and vegetation surround your home, so don’t forget to make sure your air filtration system is working well to keep you safe from any pollutants.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Dayton

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers in the process of drying before SERVPRO can restore the carpet.

Some common sources of water damage include: broken household appliances, bursting and leaking pipes, buildup in water collection sites, plumbing system related issues, HVAC malfunctions, and weather like natural disasters. The frustrating thing is that for the most part these things are out of our control. What isn’t out of our control, however, is how we respond to these situations. Luckily for anyone in the East Dayton or Beavercreek area, professionals in water damage restoration at SERVPRO are close by and they can help you avoid the headache of long-term damage. The best thing you can do when you first find water damage is to give a call to SERVPRO. We have helped churches, schools, businesses, and homeowners alike to restore the quality of their buildings and resume life as quickly as possible. It's understandable that the weight of having water damage done to your space can feel life-stopping, but that’s what we at SERVPRO of East Dayton and Beavercreek are here to do. We make the flood clean up, mold clean up, or any water restoration needed not life stopping. Your focus belongs to keeping your life moving, our focus is on helping you do that. Regardless of the cause, ask us what we can do for you to ensure that road bumps like these don’t stop you. We won’t break the bank and we care about the work we do. Let a company that cares for your home as much as you do make it look “Like it never even happened.”

The Dangers of Avoiding Duct Cleaning

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Dirty ventilation before SERVPRO cleaned out the dust to improve air quality.

A big source of stress in modern times is safety. Safety concerns the food we eat, the chemicals used in a variety of areas of our lives, and the quality of the air we breathe. On the bright side, we have a say in whether or not we accept low quality products. In terms of our home and the safety we can control within it, air duct cleaning is a safe and sure way to help with at least one of our many stressors as homeowners in 2019. The collection of dust in air ducts affects us in ways we can’t see. We might not have a physical reaction to such a slow build up of dust either, and that’s the importance of checking to make sure we know the quality of our own air. Being that air is the unnoticeable resource, save for changing the internal temperature of our homes to match our preferences, it’s common to forget that the air we breathe is like the water and electricity that runs our homes. Just as we have standards for our electricity and water, we should also have standards for the air that circulates through our homes. That’s why air duct cleaning and dust clean up are particularly helpful to all homeowners. SERVPRO understands the mechanics of air duct cleaning, and incorporated with their understanding customer service, all the answers needed to ensure the safety of your home is within reach. Air duct cleaning is an important part of maintaining a steady and safe home environment for any type of family or home. Home is a sanctuary where we can spend time with those we love the most and relax from the work we do to keep our homes running, so why wouldn’t we ensure that we trust the quality of every aspect of our home? SERVPRO of East Dayton and Beavercreek cares, too. Don’t sit and wonder about whether your home is meeting your safety standards, give us a call and see how we might be able to help you and your family stay safe.

Water Damage Restoration for Businesses

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team works with a Loves Tires to repair water damage done in the garage.

When a Love’s Tire Care location needed water damage restoration taken care of, they needed assistance covering a large surface area that had been affected by the initial water damage. To restore such a large area requires a larger quantity of both equipment and hands to get the job done as quickly as possible. The priority was to make sure the company was back open for business as quickly as possible, despite the size of the project. Though water damage, whether leaks or floods, is a nightmare for any homeowner, it can just as easily be a nightmare for a commercial business. Having to close up shop for any amount of time, losing new potential business and money in general, is an added layer of the nightmare that is repairing water damage, fire damage, or any other number of disasters that can easily come through a business’ location. The benefit of working with a company like SERVPRO of East Dayton is due to the quantity of help a business of its size can administer.  In large projects like Loves Tire Care some faults can slip past in the water restoration process, including attention to detail and careful clean up of equipment and returning the site to its’ original space for when business is back on. In order to avoid such time-consuming mistakes when found after the process has been taken care of, order and communication is valuable to the success of large scale projects. SERVPRO, like shown in their work time and time again , knows the scale, detail, and planning required to administer orderly water restoration to such drastic water damage.

Basement damaged from water in Centerville

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Gym equipment damaged from water damage in Centerville

In the spring of 2019, a Centerville home was severely water damaged from a pipe bursting. Fortunately, our flood clean up crew was quick to respond and was on site within moments after receiving the initial water clean up call. We always make sure to let our customers know that if a flood clean up job is not produced quickly then it is possible that mold spores can grow to cause the whole job to turn into a nasty mold job. For this job, it was fortunate that the homeowners saw the water damage in time to allow our water restoration professionals to dry the basement gym quickly and effectively. This job forced our serv-pro professionals to use their water removal extractors as well as dehumidifiers and air movers. After five days of drying and demolition, the flood clean up job was finished and the customers were less stressed about the potential of mold growth.

Containment during a mold job

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Containment Wall

During a mold clean up job, it is important that the restoration professionals are putting up containment to isolate the affected areas so that any airborne mold spores are not being spread into other areas of the home or business. In the restoration industry, it is a known fact that mold spores move in the air very quickly when disturbed. A properly contained room is one that is separated by heavy plastic and has a Hepa vacuum inside to purify the air and causes negative air pressure. If a room is not contained correctly it is very possible that the mold spores will be spread to other affected areas. Here at SERVPRO of East Dayton, our staff is highly trained in mold remediation and how to properly set up containment walls.

SERVPRO Moisture Meters (Pin vs Pinless)

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Pin Moisture Meter in-use

When water damage hits our customer's home or business they know that visually see water, but what many are not aware of how our team detects whether or not the drying process is complete. SERVPRO of Dayton/Beavercreek has invested in different types of moisture meters to know when the building is dry. There are two types of meters that we use, pin and pinless.

First off a pin moisture meter is more accurate, but also destructive because it requires the physical insertion of the two-pin probes into the wall or material in question. 

The other type is a pinless meter. This meter has a flat sensor integrated on the back of it and is a non-invasive method. The main catch with this meter is that it only provides a relative moisture reading unlink the pin meters. 

Although a pin meter is more accurate you can guarantee that both pin and pinless meters will be in our teams SERVPRO tool bags. Our IICRC water damage professionals know what meter will be most useful in each water damage situation.  

Why do SERVPRO professionals wear PPE’s?

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

First, let's start with the question, what does the PPE acronym stand for?

Personal 

Protective 

Equipment

SERVPRO of East Dayton / Beavercreek takes wearing PPE’s very serious when dealing with any mold, sewage water, and whenever something may be potentially harmful in the air. Personal protective equipment is a jumpsuit that is completely enclosed so that nothing harmful can enter and get in contact with the human body. They are engineered and designed to be breathable and durable, making them more comfortable and safer than ever before.

They also include a scientifically engineered mask to make sure any unwanted particles stay out of the user's lungs.

Here at SERVPRO of East Dayton / Beavercreek we truly believe that wearing protective equipment is imperative. We pride ourselves in taking care of the safety of our staff a priority. Each month we have scheduled meetings to make sure that all staffs PPE's are in working condition and ready to go. Protective gear is not an option and will continue to be in each of our professionals' tool bags. 

What are the different categories of water damage in Dayton Ohio?

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Category 2 Water Damage

According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), there are three different levels and classes of water damage.

Category 1 – Clean Water

Water damage from a category 1 classification is from clean and sanitary sources–water lines, faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc. Although this water is clean, it does not come without risks. If it is not cleaned and dried quickly, it can degrade into category 2–leading to health issues to the people inhabiting the structure.

Category 2 – Grey Water

Water damage from a category 2 classification is from sources that have a level of contaminants that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. These sources include dishwashers, washing machines, toilet overflow with urine.

Category 3 – Unsanitary

Water damage from a category 3 classification contains dangerously unsanitary contaminants. It could cause serious illness or even death if ingested. Category 3 water damage includes water from a sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant water that has become a habitat for bacterial growth.

FYI: Each level and classification carry different levels of risk and must be cleaned differently. Our SERVPRO professionals will let you know what kind of water damage your home or business has encountered and the cleaning process.  

How many different species of Mold are there?

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Chaetomium Mold

According to the CDC, no one truly knows how many different types of mold that is out there but it is possible to be over 300,000. Although we do not know all the types of molds we are aware of the four most common molds that get mold remediation. 

Most common Molds found in Ohio: 

• Cladosporium- Black and green in color, this mold has a pepper-like appearance and can be found on surfaces like toilets, fiberglass ducts, fabrics, and wood. Although it is not toxic, it can cause irritation and allergy-like symptoms, such as watery eyes, sore throats, or respiratory problems.
• Penicillium- Typically blue or green, this mold can easily be transferred from room to room, and it is common on wallpaper and textiles like carpets, mattresses, or curtains. It can cause allergic reactions, sinus infections, and lung inflammation.
• Chaetomium – Often found in buildings that have suffered extensive water damage Chaetomium produces a musty odor and is dark green, brown, or black in color. Although it rarely causes health issues in humans, it can be an indication of more serious mold problems.
• Aspergillus-  This mold can often be found in air duct systems and on foods high in starch, such as bread and potatoes. The most common species feature a yellow-green surface coloring, with brown underneath, and they can cause allergic reactions, repository infections, and inflammation of the lungs.

Restoring Your Beavercreek Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Beavercreek commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Beavercreek Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 937-228-3433

Beavercreek Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 937-228-3433

Beavercreek Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Beavercreek basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 937-228-3433

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 937-228-3433